By Tim Arnett
WABASH,Indiana – The 70 or so attendees of the Wabash County Memorial Day service on the north lawn of the courthouse know exactly what the national holiday is all about. Not that they needed to be reminded, but those in attendance heard speeches from local dignitaries and representatives from several Wabash County Veterans’ Organizations about honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for this country in time of war. It is often said that freedom is not really free – and most of the people who watched the ceremony from the sidewalk north of the courthouse no doubt understand that concept.
Actually, this year’s services started 30 minutes earlier on the Carroll Street Bridge. The VFW Rifle Team fired their weapons in the middle of the bridge to honor those who were lost in maritime service. The sound of three rifle volleys reverberated up and down the river as a tribute to their sacrifice. The crowd that gathered on the bridge was reportedly the largest in some time. This is probably due to the fact that Monday was warm and sunny as compared to last year’s dark, low-hanging clouds and occasional sprinkles.
And the number of attendees at the courthouse ceremony increased this year, as well. Last year, only 30 to 40 people attended the service, many with umbrellas in hand. In his remarks, VFW Post #286 Commander Herb Mullen noted the larger turnout at Monday’s ceremony.
In his remarks, Wabash Mayor Scott Long said, “Let us make our country something worth dying for, which is the ultimate honor we can bestow on these fallen comrades and their families.” State Senator Jim Banks also gave remarks to those assembled.
Quite a few local law enforcement attended the service at the courthouse and Sheriff Bob Land told MiBash News that the day is all about paying tribute to veterans for all that they have given us. At 11 am, a smaller group gathered at Memorial Lawns Cemetery off Manchester Avenue to pay their respects for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for this nation.
