Memorial Day in Elysian

Elysian remembered its veterans and loved ones during the annual Memorial Day ceremony held at Cedar Hill Cemetery Monday.

Rev. Steven R. Hultengren of the Elysian Assembly of God Church addressed the crowd.

"I've never been part of anything like this," said Hultengren. "This is a very special service.

I invite you to make this Memorial Day a day of memories."

Legion Chaplain, Bob Morris, gave perspective to the day with the following reading:

"I was probably like a lot of Americans regarding Memorial Day. I put up my flag and usually caught a news report talking about the president laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. And it is nice to have a day off work. Not much more meaning than that. 

It's different now.

It has become a solemn day in which I grieve and pray for loved ones who have died in action. These are the men and women who represent us here and abroad, who put themselves in harm's way for the benefit of others, who represent good and stand against evil. They keep us safe at home. They allow us to move freely around our neighborhoods and towns without the fear of mortars or suicide bombings. They are the ones to who we owe our lives and freedom.

The wonderful men and women who answered the call and said "yes" to serving our country and the world will never be forgotten. We offer them a heartfelt "thank you." We are eternally grateful for their supreme sacrifice. The freedom and peace they work so hard to provide for others, they are now enjoying in heaven. There is a big price to pay for freedom, but failing to preserve it is far more costly."

Area veterans remembered this year were Cy Hager, R.R. McMillen, Lowell Renken, and Loren Smith. Auxiliary members, Millie Roemhildt and Dolores Wesley, were honored at a graveside service.

Scenes from Cedar Hill