Fontanelle legionnaires, families honor those fallen in battle

The Memorial Day service accompanied by members of Carlson Post no. 247 of the American Legion was held 11 a.m. Monday at the Fontanelle Cemetery. The service was led by David Homan who delivered opening remarks.

“Today we again celebrate Memorial Day after last year and an upside down world we do this because of the flags represented here, our citizens live in freedom because patriots are willing to serve and sacrifice for our liberty.” Homan said. “In our hometowns these soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines are more than just names on an honor roll, they were friends, neighbors, teachers, coaches, classmates and colleagues, each was the most important person in someone’s life, each had hopes for the future, each left a place that can never be filled. We mourn their loss and we honor their sacrifice. We pray for their families and we take heart in knowing that these men and women believed deeply in what they were fighting for. This memorial day we remember all who unselfishly have given their lives for our nation. Throughout history, America has fought not to conquer, but to liberate and to defend. We go to war reluctantly because we understand the high cost of war. Those who have given their lives to defend America have respect and gratitude of our entire nation and we, who still are living, must make it our highest priority that they are never forgotten. May God bless them all.”

Members of Carson Post no. 247 then executed the posting of the colors. Phyliss Jacobson, American Legion auxiliary member, escorted by Former Legion Post Commander Dean Griffith decorated the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier. Brenda Plymesser, Legion auxiliary member, delivered a prayer to the Memorial Day observers.

“Let us pray. Almighty God, giver of all victories, we thank thee for the opportunities which abide in our land for our guidance in the hour of peril, and thy tender love in times of need. Help us to remember with reverence, the valor and devotion of our departed comrades. Oh God, teach us to honor them by ever cherishing the ideals for which they fought. Give us the power to see and the will to do right. Grant us that we may reserve the high ideals for which our comrades died. May thy merciful blessing rest upon those they left behind. Keep us forever firm in righteousness, humble of heart and unselfish in purpose. Amen.”

Following the prayer, Legion auxiliary member Linda Griffith gave the Pledge of Allegiance.

New flags were presented to the avenue of flags which is meant to reinforce patriotism at cemeteries in which veterans are buried. The new flags were dedicated to Leroy L. Nelson, deceased Nov. 9, 2019, carried by son Dale Nelson. Durwood D. Purdy, deceased Feb. 8, 2020, carried by son Raleigh Purdy, escorted by sons Randy, Rich, Jeff and daughter, Julie. Wayne “Toby” Held, deceased Nov. 9, 2020, carried by son Jeff Held. Richard D. Kralik, deceased Nov. 21, 2020, carried by Legion member Lucas Queck. Finally, Elvin Tannatt, deceased Feb. 27, 2021, carried by Denny Davis.

The Memorial Day guest speaker was Robert “Bob” Meneffe, Jr. Meneffe was born in Avondale and graduated from Bridgewater-Fontanelle High School in 1965. After graduating, he served in the Army for three years, during which time he served a one-year tour of duty in Vietnam. After he completed his duties, Meneffe attended the University of Northern Iowa, where he received his Bachelor’s degree. Following that, he was a teacher and counselor for students with learning disabilities in the Ottumwa Middle School. Meneffe married and had two sons between the time he spent serving in Vietnam and in the classroom. He later became a corporate Senior Vice President for Ameriserv bank and the U.S. Food Service as Division President, just to name a few of his high-ranking positions. He resides in Hartland, Wisconsin.

“Memorial Day was created to honor the many American men and women who died in military service.” Meneffe said. “This focus on those who made the ultimate sacrifice sets Memorial Day apart from Veterans Day, which honors all military members living and passed. For a veteran, it is a day we remember the heroes who gave everything for the soldiers serving next to them and the people they left at home. Memorial Day is a day where we remind ourselves of what combat veterans gave to our country. And while most who are called return to America to rest, our veterans are especially somber remembering those who went missing in action, 81,700. For everyone attending today’s service, or anyone visiting the cemetery, we all show our respect and honor this post. The men and women are the last centennials, which protect the integrity of our veterans and respectfully honor those who have fallen in our community.”

Meneffe honored the new names of those who were dedicated to the avenue of flags at the service.

“Marilyn (his wife) and I offer our condolences and our respect for the commitment these dads, uncles, grandfathers and neighbors made to this community and to our country. I also want to acknowledge those protecting us yet today. We know many of them.”

Meneffe then read from his piece tilted, “The Reluctant Ones.”

“From the ship, the desert tent, the swamp, the nest in the fortified valley, reluctant to spend too much time thinking about loved ones,” he said. “They think about them because they must. Doing so brings warmth, courage and determination. Frequently, the reluctant get the news from home that the news of protests, the rage from those filled with hate, news of those confused by ideology that perhaps the dictators that are out there will rest eventually. Yet they know, it’s a certainty, that those who dictate others will never rest. For those of us free, they step up reluctantly in the unknown. Even as honored, they reluctantly accept. They know of those that suffered as they suffer yet today. They are reluctant, still they know they serve for what they hold sacred: freedom.”

Meneffe closed by reading a letter to a mother from President Abraham Lincoln. This mother had five sons that died during the Civil War.

“I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine that should attempt to beguile you from the grief of loss so overwhelming,” the letter read. “But I cannot refrain from me tendering you the consolation that maybe found in the thanks of the republic for which they died and helped save.”

Meneffe said that this mother’s sons died for freedom and we must continue that fight, “...against bigotry and against discrimination.”

Brenda Plymesser delivered another prayer before the Post Everlasting ceremony. Carlson Post no. 247 fired volleys and Dean Griffith played taps before the retirement of the colors.