It was a beautiful, breezy day with clear blue skies and sunshine to cap off the three day weekend of Memorial Day on Monday, as the members of the Eagle Grove American Legion Post went about their duties, commemorating the fallen. At 9 o'clock in the morning, they laid a wreath at the Eagle Grove's Veterans Memorial Park as the Honor Guard split the morning calm with the loud reports of their rifles, as they gave the traditional 21 gun salute.
An hour later, a good sized crowd had gathered at the Rose Hill Cemetery to honor our fallen soldiers. Following a moving performance by the Eagle Grove High School band led by Director Justin Schwake, featured speaker Mickey Cooper took to the podium.
Copper began her remarks by relating that she teaches confirmation. "When I start class, I tell them – you are here to serve, not be served. To me that totally embodies what being in the military is all about – serving, not being served."
Cooper then related how a trip to Washington DC with a friend influenced her thinking about military service. She was traveling with Diane Schutt on a mission trip to Baltimore. They decided to go on to the nation's capital. "She knows no strangers." Cooper said, "She started walking up to people she could identify as veterans and those currently serving. She would say to each and every one of them- thank you for your service, shake their hand and on occasion they would have a conversation about when and where they served." Copper remarked how amazing watching their faces was, some showing surprise, but all smiling when they were thanked for their service."
That experience, Cooper said, made her think about the people in her own life who've served, a brother, several cousins, nephews, and friends. "I can't imagine being away from my family, often in a foreign country-missing all the family things-births, deaths, first words, first steps-the list goes on. But-these brave young women and men do it."
Cooper urged people to talk to the veterans in their family. "See if they are willing to talk about their experiences. Many are, some aren't. Either way, they will know that you care." Cooper also urged people to assist veterans. Some may need a ride to get healthcare. Others might need help navigating the VA website. "Think about it," Cooper said. "It is time for us to serve those who have served."
