APPLETON, Wis. — On Memorial Day weekend, local veterans honored their fallen brothers and sisters in cemeteries across Appleton. The salutes included prayers, rifle volleys and the playing of taps.
The three-rifle volley is well known to the veteran community. To others that may have not seen or heard one, it can be quite jarring.
One veteran has been part of these ceremonies since the beginning in 2020. Scarlet Guard member Rueben Garza said he continues to volunteer at these events because he wants to honor those who have died.
“It’s very, very important for us to remember everything they’ve done, what they meant, and pretty much saying thank you for the sacrifice not only to them, but to the family,” said Garza.
Family and friends gathered to show their respect for their loved ones performing at the event, too. Daughter to one of the Veterans of Foreign Wars members, Heidi Miller, said she was inspired by how the community came out and showed its support for the service members.
“It’s powerful,” said Miller. “It really gets to the core of what it’s all about. I think that’s something to be experienced.”
People at the ceremony said they want to stress to their fellow Americans that Memorial Day is more than just a three-day weekend.
One grandson to a veteran, Flynn Harkins, put it quite simply.
“They fought for us, and some of us wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them,” said Harkins.
Garza echoed that statement by saying he will not forget those who have come and gone before him. He said it’s the least he could do for those who have given so much.
“It’s basically a thank you,” said Garza. “Thank you for everything they’ve done. Thank you for the families… America is worth the sacrifice that a bunch of us have pretty much paid in combat struggles, things that we’ve signed up for to give back to America, to give back to our country. ”
Garza and others said they are reminded of the sacrifices each time they look up the flag, including the ideals of liberty, justice and freedom.