WAUSAU, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – Family, friends, and veterans gathered together on Memorial Day to remember those who lost their lives in service to the country.
“Please Lord make all of us younger people that we have in this country remember what Memorial Day is all about,” said Vietnam Veteran David Bautsch.
Restlawn Memorial Park and the Wausau American Legion partnered for a morning of remembrance.
“A lot of times people see Memorial Day as the start of the summer and think of it as picnics and parties but really it is to gather and honor those veterans that made the ultimate sacrifice, died for our country so that we could be free to do those things every Memorial Day,” said Amber Pender, Restlawn Memorial Park Office Manager.
Bautsch became emotional thinking about his brothers and sisters who died. He said the freedom they died for needs to be honored.
“We are losing that freedom if we don’t stand up for it right now and not forget who we are. We are Americans, we are citizens of this great country. We are so lucky to be living in this country,” he said.
The ceremony included many different parts including salutes, song, and a ‘Missing Man Table,’ paying special tribute to those Missing in Action and Prisoners of War.
The day hit close to home for organizers.
“I have veterans in my family and thankfully none of the veterans in my family have passed, however, I do know families that have veterans that passed and it’s just near and dear to my heart to make sure that we always honor them,” Pender said.
To conclude the ceremony, loved one’s placed flags in their veteran’s memory as one last show of thanks.
