By Genine Hopkins
We should all be reminded that Memorial Day isn’t just an extra day off work or hot dogs and potato salad, but a time to remember all of those who died serving their country to protect our freedoms. This was the theme of this year’s Harrison Memorial Day observance and many in the crowd were moved to tears of thankfulness.
Under sunny skies and nearly perfect weather, the large crowd of those in attendance joined together to honor the fallen in Clare County and neighboring counties, whose names are etched in the stone memorial. Beginning with a special guest – singer Ray Rodriguez – who opened the ceremony with a beautifully perfect rendition of The Star Spangled Banner, to the keynote speaker who drew tears in the crowd as he recounted how his unit was ambushed in Afghanistan, and also a heartfelt moment as a reminder of how the Harrison Veterans’ Freedom Park came to be, with the help of a mother who lost her son, Spc. Robert Friese, former Veterans Services Director Renee Haley, and the entire Harrison area community.
Keynote Speaker Ben Ambrose – who is looking to further serve the community Congress and is on the ballot this November – recalled a sorrowful moment as his unit was attacked and his canine handler used his body to protect his dog, sacrificing his own life. Pausing several times as he told the story, especially how the family of the young man took in and cared for that dog in its retirement, and how they had buried the canine next to the young man who protected him just a short time ago. Ambrose spoke of how our government is responsible to care for veterans, a role he has held them to task to play amid cuts – especially the DOGE cuts that greatly decreased access to services for veterans. These young men and women gave of themselves and are owed a duty of care for their services and sacrifice.
When a soldier is killed in action, Ambrose reminded everyone, there is a family left behind. A son or daughter who can no longer visit, a mother or father who can no longer be there for their children. That sacrifice reverberates through an entire community as well, just as the death of Spc. Robert Friese did in the Harrison area. That is what the day is all about.
Finally, a laying of the memorial wreaths took place before the ceremony ended. American Legion Post 404 in Harrison invited all to join them for a beautiful luncheon after the ceremony, and it was a feast. Two LARGE hoagies, sweet & sour meatballs, baked beans, coleslaw, and a slew of delightful desserts were enjoyed by many who attended.
kutline (for both wreath photos): Memorial wreaths were laid by the commanders of local posts of both the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
