Over 50 people gathered on a windy day with threatening skies to honor the fallen at the Williams’ City Park Veterans’ Memorial and to hear from the new acting commander.

“Here in Williams, we are proud, not only of our service members but of their families, too,” said Greenfield, a veteran of the Afghanistan War who was named commander of the Williams American Legion Post 633 in April.

Greenfield noted that the Williams community carries of long tradition of military service and that this year marks the 100th anniversary of the national American Legion.

In addressing the crowd, Greenfield read the poem “In Memory of You” by M.S. Lowndes.

 His grandchildren surround Bob Keane after the Williams Memorial Day ceremonies Monday at the Williams Cemetery.

“Special times we went through, For these are memories that warm our hearts as we honor the memory of you” read Greenfield.  

“This resonants with me,” said Greenfield as the sentiment recalled not only the men and women he served with in Afghanistan, but also the veterans he knew from his youth who had served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

During Monday’s ceremony, the Williams American Legion post also honored retiring commander Wayne Wahlert, a Vietnam veteran who served as post commander for seven years.  Over the years, Wahlert’s service included serving as the commanding officer of the Honor Guard at funeral services for veterans and as a member of the Williams’ Fourth of July parade Color Guard for over 40 years.

“He believes that we should never forget the service that our veterans did and honor them,” said Greenfield.

Chaplain Craig Classen asked people to remember the reason for the Memorial Day observance — to honor those servicemen and women who died serving their country.

— Daily Freeman-Journal photo by Teresa Wood
Williams American Legion Post 633 Commander Derrick Greenfield honored the service of retiring commander Wayne Wahlert at Monday’s Memorial Day services in Williams. Wahlert, a Vietnam veteran, served as post commander for seven years and has been active in the American Legion for over 40 years.

“We pause to remember those who died with so much courage, so much pride,” said Classen. “They will never come back, but memories endure to remind us that freedom is fragile and pure and that we are worthy of their sacrifice”.

Classen asked for prayers for soldiers lost in battle and also in safeguarding the lives of active service personnel.

“Lord, let them rest in peace knowing that their sacrifice gave us the freedom we know enjoy,” intoned Classen. “Also Lord, please protect those in the armed services that are now serving.  Keep them safe and bring them home.”

Following the 21-Gun Salute, Honor Guard Legion members travelled to the Williams and St. Mary’s Cemeteries to honor veterans with two additional Honor Guard salutes.

The Honor Guard then travelled to the Blairsburg Cemetery for services honoring Blairsburg and Liberty Center service personnel from the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf War.