The annual ceremony honoring America’s fallen heroes was held Monday morning at the Perry Performing Arts Center in commemoration of Memorial Day.
Perry’s American Legion Post 85 Commander and Dallas County Commander Kevin Jacobs presided, with the program beginning with a posting of the colors and 11-year-old Esther Puderbaugh of Iowa City performing “The Star Spangled Banner.”
World War II veteran Sir Mahlon Conaway led the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Perry VFW Post 2060 Chaplain Dana Hoffman delivered the invocation.
Dr. Randy McCaulley performed “This Land is Your Land,” followed by Vietnam War veteran Mike Kelley’s address, “Vietnam Remembered: 50th Anniversary.”
Puderbaugh thrilled the audience a second time with her rendition of “America the Beautiful.”
Kelley and VFW Post 2060 Commander Ron Leber performed the annual roll call and answer in honor of Perry-area veterans who have left the ranks since last Memorial day:
Alan Hall
Paul Mickelson
Jack Meier
Jack Bell
Harry Bice
Gerald W. Svoboda
Larry Smith
Marvin Hartz
Leon McDowell
Charles Heinz
Marshall Menz
James V. Burchfield
William Spring
Richard E. Lowe
Myron Brown
William H. Schuhardt
Dennis Widdick
Michael Draeger
Larry G. Bice
Harry E. Ellett Jr.
Donald Meyer
Billy Weddle
Lester K. Modlin
Jerry White
Ronald Tolle
Donald Winters
Dale Ikerd
VFW Post 2060 Color/Honor Guard Commander Tracy Moore introduced the members of the Color/Honor Guard: Conaway, Hoffman, Jacobs, Kelley, Leber, Denny Glass, Tom Sloss and Stanley Johnson.
A performance of “Some Gave All” McCaulley was followed by the retirement of the colors, and then those attending stepped outside for a ceremonial volley from the joint American Legion/VFW color guard. The playing of “Taps” by Steve Cook closed the event, with refreshments courtesy of Carris Funeral Homes offered in the PPAC lobby.
What a great program! Esther Puderbaugh was the highlite of the event. What a tremendous voice she has. Too bad the event was poorly attended. Thanks to all who arranged such a Memorial Day program.
Steve Cook does such an outstanding job playing “Taps.” He puts such feeling in each note that it’s a moving emotional experience to hear him play. I may be prejudiced, but Steve’s “Taps” are the best.