By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette
The annual Memorial Day Services were held on Monday, May 27 at 10 a.m. at Veterans Auditorium in Panora.
Lynn Zajicek was the master of ceremonies, while Deb Rockwell and Deb Moylan served as hostesses. Members of the Iowa National Guard, Reserves and Active Forces ushered in guests. The Post Colors were provided by Color Guards, Scouts. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Scouts.
The United Methodist Church Choir sang the National Anthem and provided additional patriotic music.
Cheryl Castile and Linda Burgess read the names of the more than 300 veterans whose flags have been dedicated, including Kenneth Cripe, Leroy Devibliss, Frank Grubb, James Herrick, Jr., James Iseminger, Billy Ray Johnston, Michael Mills, Joseph Rains, Verlin Renslow, Roland Reynolds and Earl Stoy, who each gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Pastor Jeremy Poland provided the invocation and benediction.
The Unknown Solder’s Grave Marker was in place, and wreaths were placed to honor WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War and Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom.
Panora Mayor Curtis Thornberry introduced U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, who provided personal stories of her memories of fallen soldiers and the conversations with their family members.
Sen. Ernst presented the Purple Heart to Specialist Dustin D. Teays. The Purple Heart medal is presented to members of the military who were wounded or killed because of enemy action while serving. Teays joined the United States Army Reserve during his junior year of high school, serving from September 2011 to September 2019. He is currently a resident of Bayard.
Additional recognition was presented to Lt. Colonel Mike Arganbright, who served in the Air Force including two tours in Vietnam. He was honored with a plaque by his son, Major Joe Arganbright, who is now a pilot with Delta Airlines, for his service and commitment to VFW Post 5510 and to the Avenue of the Flags Committee. In addition, Sen. Ernst presented a 50-year plaque to Thomas Richey for his years of service to the American Legion.
Sen. Ernst also assisted in the presentation of the flags and the address and dedication of a flag flown over Washington, D.C. New flags dedicated and raised included those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.
The Color Guard Salute and the playing of TAPS concluded the ceremonies with refreshments served by the Panora WFPF and American Legion Auxiliary.
Photos by Shane Goodman
Sen. Joni Ernst presents a 50-year plaque to Thomas Richey for his years of service to the American Legion.
Lt. Colonel Mike Arganbright was honored with a plaque by his son, Major Joe Arganbright, for his service and commitment to VFW Post 5510 and to the Avenue of the Flags Committee.
Sen. Joni Ernst presents the Purple Heart award to Specialist Dustin D. Teays.
Sen. Joni Ernst was the special guest speaker.
Lynn Zajicek served as the master of ceremonies.
The stage in Veterans Auditorium provides a patriotic background for Memorial Day services.
Veterans prepare to place the wreaths recognizing soldiers from various wars.
The United Methodist Church Community Choir sang patriotic songs.
Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.
Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.
Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.
Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.
Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.
Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.
Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.
Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.
Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.
Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.
Emmett Rockwell holds the flag that was donated for his great grandfather, Willard Rockwell.
Panora Mayor Curtis Thornberry and Sen. Joni Ernst Sen. Ernst raise a flag flown over Washington, D.C.
Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.
Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.
Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.
Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.
Emmett Rockwell holds the flag that was donated for his great grandfather, Willard Rockwell.