The observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 27, in Clear Lake will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the seawall with the traditional lakefront service, which includes prayer offered by Officer of the Day Gary Harris, U.S. Air Force veteran, the raising of the flag by Clear Lake Boy Scouts, and the casting of the wreath onto the lake by Mike Nelson, U.S. Navy – Retired. The National Anthem, Navy Hymn and Taps will be offered by the Clear Lake High School band.
Following the lakefront events, everyone is invited to gather near the Lincoln Statue in the Clear Lake Cemetery for the remainder of the commemorative activities. Officer of the Day Gary Harris, U.S. Air Force veteran will lead the program. The Clear Lake High School Band will provide music selections including, “God of Our Fathers” and “America the Beautiful.” Ritualistic services will involve the placing of roses to honor veterans from the American Civil War, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the American Legion #222, VFW #4868, WW I and WW II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Global War on Terrorism.
Special readings will include, “The Gettysburg Address,” read by Clear Lake High School student Malinda Voortmann and fellow student Lauren Jurgens explaining the Importance of “Taps”.
The keynote speaker of the day is Lt. Col. Jeremy D. Anzevino, USMC Retired. Lt. Col. Anzevino enlisted in the United States Marine Corps following completion of his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from St. Ambrose University in 1997. He then enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves and earned the title of Marine in August of 1997. His career as a Marine has been one of extensive training and command assignments. His service overseas includes, but is not limited to being deployed in the western Pacific, being embedded with an Iraqi Army Battalion battling Al Qaida and he was charged with securing and rebuilding the Fallujah Peninsula. Lt. Col. Anzevino has also been an instructor in reconnaissance courses and infantry leadership courses.
In 2016, Lt. Col. Anzevino received orders for joint duty at the National Airborne Operations Center at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. He completed 54 weeks deployed with over 700 flight hours and 200 flight sorties. Lt. Col. Anzevino has received numerous personal awards for his service. He and his family currently reside in Waukee, Iowa.
The activities of the day conclude with a roll call of local deceased veterans, a folding of the American flag, the VFW Post Honor Guard offering a gun salute, Echo Taps from the Clear Lake High School Band and the benediction by Officer of the Day Gary Harris, U.S. Air Force veteran.
