By Stephanie Irvine

On May 25, in Manhattan, scores of people gathered in a show of deep reverence for those who made the ultimate sacrifice, demonstrating that the meaning of Memorial Day is not forgotten.

Unlike Veterans Day or Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day is a time to mourn and honor those who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

The day was established in 1868 as Decoration Day, and created by Union Major General John A. Logan to decorate the graves of the Union soldiers who died in the Civil War. It became a federal holiday in 1971, honoring all United States military personnel who died.

“Memorial Day exists for one brutal, irreplaceable reason: to pay tribute to the men and women who died in combat,” Manhattan American Legion Post Commander Bob Angone said, underscoring the importance of recognizing the meaning behind Memorial Day.

This year, the Manhattan American Legion Post 935 was joined by the Lincoln-Way High School Air Force JROTC, and together, they provided a moving memorial service at seven sites throughout Manhattan and Wilton Center.

Retired Post Commander and current Chaplain John Kestel and Post Adjutant Lisa McGlassen offered prayers and words of reflection and led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. At some locations, Dave Kestel shared some poignant thoughts.

AFJROTC cadets presented colors, along with a reading of “In Flanders Fields” by cadet Annabelle Makiejus. Cadet Julia Fulla also read a prayer from the Psalms during the ceremony.

MSgt Dan Schliffka oversaw the AFJROTC cadets and Honor Guard who presented the colors. The cadets who participated in the ceremony included Enid Hernandez, Annabelle Makiejus, Grace Spangler, Jaden Goldschnikl, Julia Fulla, Grace Mongan, Margarite Malone, Matt Murray and Samantha Nicastro.

As is tradition, Angone, along with several other members of the Post and its Honor Guard, gave a three-volley salute, and volunteer bugler, Fred Lestina, was situated in the distance and played taps. At each site, he perfectly executed the song, the notes softly floating through the silence and evoking an emotional response from many in the crowd.

“Whenever I hear ‘taps,’ I kind of break up a little bit,” Vietnam veteran and Manhattan resident John Gilbert said.

Gilbert attends the Memorial Day ceremony and special mass at St. Joseph Cemetery every year.

“It’s beautiful, and to see the JROTC and all the young people out here, it’s heartwarming. I’m very happy to be here,” Gilbert said.

Though the ceremony was brief, it made an impact on the community.

Angone said the ceremonies at each of the sites — Maple Hill Cemetery, Brown Cemetery, North Providence Ridge Cemetery, St. Joseph Cemetery, Memorial Stone outside First Bank of Manhattan, Manhattan Center Cemetery, and at Wilton Center and Mount St. Patrick Cemetery — were well attended.

The ceremonies brought out area veterans and their families, parishioners, family members of the AFJROTC Honor Guard, and area residents who just wanted to pay their respects. Local leadership also attended.

Manhattan Township Supervisor Jimmy Walsh is a member of the Honor Guard and participated in the ceremony. Manhattan Mayor Mike Adrieansen came out to show his support and respect.

“It’s good to see the JROTC here along with the veterans from the American Legion,” Stan Potempa of Elwood said.

Prior to the memorial ceremony at St. Joseph Cemetery, St. Joseph Catholic Church’s Father Mike McMahon offered a Memorial Day Mass for parishioners at the cemetery, as well as offering a prayer during the Legion’s ceremony.

Parishioner Ed Kozak said he and his family have been coming to the special Mass and staying for the ceremony for many years.

Tom Murray of New Lenox came out to see his grandson, who is in the AFJROTC Honor Guard. He felt the ceremony was very moving.

Overall, Angone was pleased by the turnout, but he always hopes to see more people out next year.

“By all means, enjoy the long weekend, hang out with your family, and fire up the grill. But don’t be oblivious,” Angone said, urging people to take a moment and honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms Americans enjoy and often take for granted.

For more information about the Manhattan American Legion Post 935, visit https://www.americanlegion935.com/.

The Post is always welcoming new members, and those interested can contact Adjutant McGlassen at [email protected].

Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.

Lincoln-Way High School AFJROTC Cadet Julia Fulla reads a prayer from the Psalms at the Memorial Day service on May 25. (Photos by Stephanie Irvine)

The Rev. Mike McMahon reads a prayer as Manhattan Post 935 Adjutant Lisa McGlasson, Chaplain and Ret. Post Commander John Kestel, and Lincoln-Way AFJROTC Cadets listen.

Members of the American Legion Post 935 Honor Guard fire off a three-round volley in honor of Memorial Day.

In the distance, volunteer Fred Lestina plays taps.