by Cori Hilsgen
news@thenewsleaders.com
How did you spend your Memorial Day weekend? Maybe you did some camping or fishing in the rain. Maybe you gathered with family and friends. Hopefully, you spent some time thinking about and thanking veterans for the sacrifices they made protecting our country’s freedoms.
On a rainy morning, veterans, families and friends gathered for Memorial Day Services to honor military men and women. The ceremony was made possible by members of the American Legion Post 328 of St. Joseph at the St. Joseph Cemetery.
Many of these military men and woman gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives to protect freedoms and democracy we have today.
Following a Catholic Mass at the Church of St. Joseph, during which the Rev. Jerome Tupa read President Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Gettysburg Address, attendees walked to the cemetery under a canopy of multi-colored umbrellas.
As they entered the cemetery, small American flags marked the graves of veterans buried at the cemetery, acknowledging their service to their country.
Tupa began the ceremony acknowledging his dog, Buster’s, presence, representing the war canines who served and praying for and thanking all veterans for their service.
Heads bowed in prayer and thankfulness as the names of departed veterans buried at the two church cemeteries were read. Our country’s national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, was played and the rifle squad fired three times.
Following the ceremony, attendees were invited to the American Legion in St. Joseph for refreshments.
Brothers Dave Terwey, 67, Noel (Andy) Terwey, 64, and Wayne Terwey, 59, visited at the Legion. Dave served in the U.S. Army Reserves 1966-72, Andy served in the U.S. Marine Corp 1968-71 and Wayne served in the U.S. Marine Corp 1972-74.
All three brothers said they would encourage young men and women to serve in the military.
“I think it definitely should be mandatory that young men and women serve two years in the military,” Andy Terwey said.
“It’s a good deal when you are younger and need some direction and want to see the world,” Wayne Terwey said. “It’s a good experience and stays with you a lifetime.”
“I would definitely recommend it,” Dave Terwey said. “It gives young men and women some direction in life.”
Other members of the Terwey family who have also served in the military include brothers — Steve in the U.S. Marines Corp 1972-74, Gary (deceased) in the U.S. Army 1972-174, and Jake in the U.S. Marines 1979-82. Their father Delphin Terwey (deceased) served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Andy’s son, Alan, is serving in the U.S. Navy Submarine Division, and his wife, Nicole, is also in the U.S. Navy. Wayne’s son, Brent, and his fiancée, Ellie Juckel, are serving in the U.S. Air Force.
Andy’s wife, Becky, said her husband was a member of the memorial Rifle Squad and marched in it for 42 years.
Commander Chuck Kern and other members viewed a display of information about the three cemeteries put together by American Legion Women’s Auxiliary members Rosie Court and Ellie Studer, who are the auxiliary historians.
Kern, who served in the U.S. Army October 1968-April 1973, said he thought the military offers a great foundation for life for young men and women.
“The Army is a great organization and has always been a leader in many areas,” Kern said. “I would strongly recommend everyone should serve their country at least two years.”
Jerry Reischl, who served in the U.S. Army 1955-56 and has been a member of the American Legion Color Guard 15 years and an American Legion member 26 years, said the memorial Rifle Squad attends funeral ceremonies in Little Falls the third Friday of each month if there is a funeral there.
As members left to provide services at the St. John’s Cemetery in Collegeville and the Yankee Cemetery, Reischl said he hoped the rain would hold off during the ceremonies.
American Legion Post 328 Commander Chuck Kern views a display put together by members of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary of St. Joseph about the St. Joseph, St. John’s and Yankee cemeteries.
Brothers (left to right) Dave Terwey, 67, Wayne Terwey, 59, and Noel (Andy) Terwey, 64, visit at the American Legion of St. Joseph after the Memorial Day services. The three brothers and several other family members served or are serving in the military.
The American Legion Color Guard of St. Joseph marches into the St. Joseph Cemetery.
Members of the American Legion Post 328 Women’s Auxiliary of St. Joseph listen as names of departed veterans are read.
The Rev. Jerome Tupa thanks all veterans for their service during the Memorial Day services at the St. Joseph Cemetery. He also acknolwedges his dog, Buster’s, presence to honor war canines.
Members of the American Legion Post 328 of St. Joseph salute the American flag as the Star- Spangled Banner, our country’s national anthem is played.
Members of the American Legion Rifle Squad of St. Joseph fire their rifles during the Memorial Day services at the St. Joseph Cemetery.
Small American flags marked the gravesites of men and women who served in the military.
