The true significance of Memorial Day

The annual Memorial Day service at Woodland Cemetery, hosted by Van Wert American Legion Post 178, focused on the importance of teaching, learning, and comprehending the true significance of the day. Stephanie Renner, a teacher and coordinator of the Veterans Day program at Lincolnview, delivered a compelling address to a well-attended ceremony on a cool, windy, and cloudy Memorial Day morning.

Renner emphasized that Memorial Day should not be seen as simply another day off work for many people. She questioned whether children truly understand the meaning of the day and the profound impact of losing a loved one who selflessly served others. Renner stressed the importance of comprehending Memorial Day not only for the younger generation but also for the entire community to unite in remembrance and support those who are grieving. She acknowledged the ultimate sacrifice made by countless individuals to safeguard those they would never meet.

Renner further highlighted the purpose of Memorial Day, which is to honor the fallen who gave their lives in service of the nation. She emphasized the significance of acknowledging their bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication while in the line of duty. Renner posed a thought-provoking question, urging everyone to remember and honor veterans, as their sacrifices would hold no meaning if they were forgotten.

Renner further emphasized the crucial need to educate future generations about the true essence of being a veteran and the immense sacrifices they make to serve their country. She highlighted that veterans willingly leave behind everything they know, including their families, friends, and jobs, without expecting anything in return.

Renner stressed the significance of actively engaging with veterans and encouraging them to share their stories. By doing so, we can ensure that the heroic deeds performed by veterans are not forgotten, and future generations will understand the invaluable contributions that have made the United States the greatest nation in the world.

During her speech, Renner shared personal connections to the military. She spoke about her great-grandfather, Lawrence Gehres, who served in World War I, as well as her grandfathers, Vernon C. Kill, a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, and Richard Gehres, a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. Renner expressed her regret that she never had the opportunity to meet Kill, a man who demonstrated unwavering love for his loved ones.

Renner recounted the profound impact of war on her family by sharing the story of her grandfather, Vernon C. Kill. While he did not perish on the battlefield, the injuries he sustained during World War II ultimately led to his untimely death. Renner spoke of the sacrifices her grandfather made while serving in the war, evident through the letters he wrote home and the accounts shared by family members. His bravery and selflessness earned him numerous medals and commendations, including two Purple Hearts.

Renner vividly described an incident where Kill bravely attempted to save his comrades when he was shot by a Nazi tank on a bridge. Despite surviving the initial injuries, her grandfather, driven by his dedication, chose to return to the front lines and once again suffered further wounds.

The speaker continued her personal narrative by revealing that she lost her other grandfather on Memorial Day in 2011. She regarded him as one of the most significant individuals in her life, emphasizing the valuable lessons he imparted, including a deep love for their country and a profound respect for veterans. Renner warmly recalled a cherished memory of bringing her grandfather to school for show-and-tell during her elementary years, highlighting his importance in her life.

Through these personal accounts, Renner underscored the sacrifices, heroism, and profound impact that veterans have on individuals and families.

Renner continued by affectionately mentioning her grandfather, whom everyone fondly called “Grandpa Chubby.” She shared how he actively involved his family in attending parades, celebrations, and programs that honored veterans, emphasizing the importance of showing reverence towards them. Renner then recounted the poignant events of May 30, 2011, the day her grandfather, Richard Gehres, passed away.

On that day, Gehres was scheduled to participate in a Memorial Day program but called to inform them that he wasn’t feeling well. An ambulance was summoned, and he was taken to the hospital. Renner expressed the shock of being informed that he had suffered a massive heart attack and marveling at how he managed to survive. Due to the severity of his condition, Lutheran Lifeflight was called to swiftly transport him to the hospital in Fort Wayne. Renner shared with heartfelt admiration that the flight crew announced they had a very special passenger aboard, a World War II veteran, which delighted her grandfather, as he had always cherished flying.

Renner recounted the poignant moment when they left the hospital to head to Lutheran, and her grandfather, despite everything he was going through, gave her mother a thumbs-up and reminded her to put his flag out before leaving. It was a testament to his unwavering patriotism. Little did they know that within a few minutes, he would suffer a second heart attack. Renner expressed gratitude for the Lifeflight nurse, who tirelessly performed CPR on her grandfather throughout the entire flight. The nurse shared that his sole focus was to save this World War II veteran on Memorial Day.

Renner concluded by emphasizing the profound importance of Memorial Day and urged everyone to make it their duty to preserve this day of remembrance for future generations.

Commander Ken Myers of American Legion Post 178 commenced the event with opening remarks, acknowledging that veterans have three significant days that evoke mixed emotions: Armed Forces Day (the third Saturday of May), Veterans Day (November 11), and Memorial Day, which falls on the final Monday of May.

Addressing the crowd on Memorial Day, Myers emphasized the purpose of the day, highlighting that it is a time to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of freedom. While many engage in celebratory activities like barbecues or gatherings, Myers urged everyone to pause and pay tribute to those who can no longer partake in such festivities.

The ceremony featured patriotic music performed by the Paul Hoverman Group, the Placing of the Wreath by Renner and her son Carter Renner, a solemn 21-gun salute, the poignant sound of taps resonating through the air, and the invocation and benediction delivered by Dick Elder. As a tribute to Civil War veterans who fell in combat, a cannon volley was fired.

Following the ceremony, a complimentary luncheon was provided for all attendees at Post 178, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. In addition to the solemn gathering in Van Wert, similar services were held in neighboring areas, including Ohio City, Convoy, Willshire, and Venedocia, underscoring the widespread observance of Memorial Day throughout the region.