(Spirit Lake)– Hundreds gathered on the front lawn of the Dickinson County Courthouse Monday for the annual Memorial Day program. Denny Perry, Commander of the Spirit Lake American Legion Post, was the keynote speaker…
“The men and women who died for our freedom represent the diverse patchwork that is the United States of America. They were rich and poor; black and white; male and female. They came from cities, farms and suburbs; they came from every ethnicity, background, and political spectrum. In short, they looked like any one of us here today.”
Perry added those who gave their lives to protect our freedom all had one thing in common…
“They all took an oath to die for America if called upon. They all wrote a blank check made payable to the United States government to give their lives to always protect our freedoms. We can ensure that the memories of these heroes and their sacrifices are not in vein. We can ensure that future generations understand the importance of service, sacrifice, and honor. The importance of service, sacrifice, and honor. We can ensure through our own community service that our country remains strong, free, and prosperous.”
99-year-old Bob Boettcher, a long time Spirit Lake resident and a continuous member of the American Legion for years, was the Grand Marshal of this year’s Memorial Day Parade.
