By Edward Lynn
Editor
EAGLE GROVE, Iowa — Eagle Grove’s Memorial Day observances on Monday were held with dignity and solemnity, though attendance was notably low, reflecting a concerning trend of dwindling civic engagement with the holiday’s deeper meaning.
The day began with a 21-gun salute at 9 a.m. in Veterans Park, attended by just 11 people, nearly all older adults.
At 10 a.m., a second ceremony was held at Rose Hill Cemetery, where approximately 30 to 40 people gathered — again, mostly older residents, with a few younger attendees, including a few recent graduates from Eagle Grove’s Class of 2025.
Pastor Andy Pull of Grace Church opened the ceremony with a prayer, invoking themes of sacrifice and gratitude. “Ever since the fall of Adam, this world has been marred by sin, by men who would harm others for their own benefit,” Paul remarked. “And ever since those first days, other men have proudly stood in the way to defend those who they love. And so this morning, we honor those who have considered others more significant than themselves, who have served and who have died that we might have freedom and life.”
Mark Ketchum served as master of ceremonies and introduced the keynote speaker, Officer Josh Smock of the Eagle Grove Police Department, a combat veteran who joined the force just six weeks ago, after serving as a Wright County Sheriff’s Deputy since 2017.
Smock began by relating that, “at the age of 17 years old, in 2006, I joined the United States Army, looking for a purpose bigger than myself.” He described his deployment to Afghanistan as a combat engineer and the toll of war. “Of the approximately 140 of us in my company that did deploy, we were very blessed that we all did come home. Be it not all in one piece, but we made it home.”
“In this day and age, I think we forget what [Memorial Day] is really, truly about,” Smock said. “By all means, enjoy your barbecues, your days on the lake and time with your family — but remember why we’re doing it.”
Smock also addressed the sparse turnout. “For the most part, this is, no offense to any of you, a little bit of an older crowd today,” he said. “As we leave here today, I challenge you… A mission, let’s call it. Talk to your loved ones, talk to your children, talk to your grandchildren.”
Smock continued by reflecting on the origins and evolution of Memorial Day. “The idea of Memorial Day began after the Civil War and was expanded to honor those who have fallen in all American wars after World War One,” he said.
He acknowledged the modern tendency to treat the holiday as a long weekend or vacation, noting, “In this day and age, I feel as though we get our expanded vacations from work and our three-day weekends. I think we forget what they’re really, truly about.” While Smock encouraged enjoying the day, he stressed, “Remember why we are here and are blessed with so many things that others around this world do not have — that freedom does not come free. Remember it, but enjoy it.”
(Photos by Edward Lynn)
Smock quoted President Calvin Coolidge: “The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” He added, “Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times,” citing author G. Michael Hopf.
He concluded with a quote from General George Patton: “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God such men lived.”
And speaking of such people, Ketchum then read the names of local veterans lost in the past year, including: Sherwood Boyd, Louis Nickel, Betty Koob, Maynard Hively, Jerry Slauson, Dennis Stevens, John Jacobson, Ernest Lewis, Billy Thomas, Elmer Campery, Donald Reed, William Baker, David White, Frank Simons, and Robert Campbell.
The ceremony concluded with a rifle salute performed by the Eagle Grove chapter of the American Legion’s honor guard. Taps was performed by Justin Schwake, and the Star Spangled Banner performed by Justin and Elizabeth Schawke, along with a few of their students.
“Go tell a soldier you like them,” Ketchum urged the crowd in closing. “Have a good day.”
