A little rain didn’t do anything to dampen the poignant messages passed at the Hastings Memorial Day program Monday morning.
All but the bravest attendees – or these equipped with umbrellas – fled to the cover of the Levee Park bandshell with a light rain turning heavy, just as flyovers from the Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing drew spectator gazes skyward.
For the 17th consecutive year, Pastor Paris Pasch of The Journey Church in Hastings led the invocation, driving home the somber message that Memorial Day is about paying tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the country they loved.
Josie Rondeau read her winning Patriot Pen essay contest entry, themed “America is a place that stands for freedom, equality, diversity and unity.”
“To be an American is to stand for what you believe is right, and as Americans, we work together to find common beliefs,” she said.
Olivia Shuster took the podium to read her Voice of Democracy winning essay.
“Imagine living in a world where choices are not an option. All decisions are made by someone else,” she said. “We’re fortunate to have the freedom to choose what we want.”
The keynote address was made by Korean War Veteran and Hastings resident Richard Hullander.
“Today is a great day. Today we’re going to celebrate Hastings. We’re going to celebrate those who have given their lives for their country,” said Hollander, reciting the names of each and every service member from the community who died in the line of duty.
“Today we’re going to talk a little bit about who’s speaking for those that didn’t come home. You…You. Your voice is loud,” he said.
His message was of the dedication of veterans who returned home from service who helped other service members, laying the important foundation of the community’s Nelson-Lucking American Legion Post 47 and the Lyle Russell Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1210.
“Sometimes we have to honor those who are speaking for you, and we’re going to do that,” said Hollander. “Many who came back from the First Word War. What did they do? They spoke for those that did not come back. What did they do? They formed the local posts, VFW and the American Legion. That’s what they did.”
He went through each war, describing how soldiers returned home, vowing to serve the memory of those lost by make life better for veterans.
He credited Shane Hudella of Hastings, who started the United Heroes League non-profit to help families of soldiers with sports opportunities.
“Thank you, Shane,” he said.
He closed his speech with a tribute to Mayor Mary Fasbender, to a round of applause.
“Our mayor never misses us. She is everywhere. We really appreciate that,” he said.