Memorial Has a Somber Ring
By Karen Haave
Monee American Legion’s 2023 Memorial Day program was a little different from those held in the past.
There was the presentation of the colors, as always, and the rifle salute, too, along with a reading of “In Flanders Fields,” and a composition about the Greatest Generation.
But this time there was an opportunity to “Ring the Bell” in remembrance of loved ones, both military and civilian.
“This year, I want everyone to participate,” Post 1200 Commander David Batzek said. “I would like to give everyone a chance to ring the bell. Ring it for a family member, or friend that was killed in war, or a veteran not with us.
“Or maybe you even want to ring it for a friend or family member who lost their life to a battle–health or what not. But please come up and ring it. Let us memorialize their memories with our hearts and ring this bell up to the heavens to let them all know they are not forgotten.”
Monee resident Marion Shorts was among those who did so. She rang the bell for her former husband, Donald E. Shorts, 99, of Crete.
“He enlisted in September 1941, started as a seaman on destroyers,” she said. “Flew blimps. Graduated from Northwestern University with a degree and officer status. He served actively for 17 years and another nine in the Reserves. He was in the navy, ended up a lieutenant commander.
“He died April 20, 2023 and was buried in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery on the 8th of May, alongside his second wife, Irene. His father and our son (Kurt) are also buried there. He leaves behind an extensive family. We have been divorced for many years, but I have known him since I was 13, and we’re still friends.
“I’m very proud of him.”
Earlier in the program, Batzek cited President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. “It is for us, the living, rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they, ho fought here, have thus far so nobly advanced,” he quoted.
“Today, we are the living and we are dedicated to continuing the work of those who have gone before us. We are dedicated to preserving the memory of our fallen heroes and declare our unending gratitude and support for their families.
“So let us take this time to remember and honor the men and women who have given their lives for this great country,” he continued. “Let us reflect on their courage, their sacrifice and their deduction to a cause greater than themselves.
“And let us recommit ourselves to the cause of freedom, justice and democracy, so that the legacy of our fallen heroes ill live on for generations to come.”
In her comments, Auxiliary Post 1200 founding member Christi Holston noted that “‘In Flanders Fields’ is a war poem, written during the First World War by Canadian physician Lt.-Col. John McCrae.
“According to legend,” Holston said, “fellow soldiers retrieved the poem after McCrae, initially dissatisfied with his work, discarded it. ‘In Flanders Fields’ was first published on December 8 of that year. Flanders Fields is a common English name of the WWI battlefields in Belgium and France.
“It is one of the most quoted poems from the war,” she continued. “As a result of its immediate popularity, parts of the poem were used in efforts and appeals to recruit soldiers and raise money selling war bonds. “Its references to the red poppies that grew over the graves of fallen soldiers resulted in the remembrance poppy becoming one of the world’s most recognized memorial symbols for soldiers who died in conflict. The poem and poppy are prominent Veterans Day and Memorial Day symbols.”
Batzek then read the Jim Windberg composition that praised those who served in WWII:
“At no time in history was (the ultimate sacrifice for freedom) more true than during WWII. This generation became the greatest generation to hold this belief.
“They stood up to the greatest threat to our way of life. They rose to defeat the Axis powers in a war that threatened the entire world. They did what had to be done. They knew what the result would be if they failed. They could not fail. They would not fail. They did not fail. To this day, all Americans are indebted to them. …”
The ceremony closed with a final prayer from Post 1200 Chaplain Ray Meridith: “May the Creator and sustainer of all life bless our memories as we depart fr5om here and grant us all grateful hearts, peaceful souls and loving hands. Amen.”
Karen Haave is a freelance reporter.