If you watched the news on Memorial Day, you saw the exhaustive coverage
of Memorial Day events.
Parades, wreath layings, special services.
And while many had the glitz of marching bands, prominent politicians, and
floats, they may not have had the home-grown warmth that was reflected at the
Memorial Day observance at the Knopf Cemetery.
Annually coordinated by Kingwood United Methodist Church, the 35-minute
program brings together multiple generations from veterans to Boy Scouts and
just about everyone in between.
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| Members of Troop 401 salute the flag |
The program proves that you don’t need the aforementioned bands and floats
to drive home the importance of the holiday.
In fact, it was Buffalo Grove Board President Jeff Braiman, one of
handful of presenters, who hit the nail on then head when he told the 100
persons in attendance that the importance of Memorial Day is not found in at shopping
malls offering special sales, but rather in the time it takes to remember and
honor the nation’s military veterans.
Joining Braiman in presenting remarks were Lake County Board member David
Stolman, and Kingswood church members Janet Kyte, Mark Rhode and Jeff Koppenhaver. Rev. James Preston presented the invocation and
benediction.
One of the coolest parts of the ceremony was the involvement of Boy Scout
Troop 401 of Kingswood United Method Church under the direction of Dave Stickley
of Kingswood. The troop, whose members
are a blend of diversity that has become the fabric of America today, handled
the flag ceremonies, which included the retirement of the cemetery’s flag, the presentation
of the new one, the pledge and the flag retirement ceremony.
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| Members of Troop 401 retire the flag that flew at Knopf Cemetery |
More than simple parts of the program, the Troop handled each with the
utmost respect and provided insightful information – especially about the flag
retirement.
Parades -- They’re fun.
Wreath layings -- Meaningful.
But what can you say about a multi-generation program put together as a community
service by a local house of worship?
Just two words.
Well done.
