Members of Rhine VFW Post 2729 gathered on Monday to remember the service members who died defending the nation, turning a holiday often marked by cookouts and sales into a solemn day of remembrance.
The ceremony, held at the VFW post, 5858 S. Archer Ave., drew veterans, family members, and community residents who stood in silence as speakers emphasized that Memorial Day belongs not to the living, but to those who gave their lives.
Longtime Post Commander Charlie Johnson led the ceremony along with Auxiliary President Mike Maruszak who said, “Freedom is not free,Somebody gave a life for our freedom.”
Barbara Vegas, Americanism chairman for the auxiliary, traced Memorial Day’s roots to the Civil War, when Americans began decorating soldiers’ graves with flowers and crosses. The tradition became official in 1971 with a federal holiday, though the first nationwide day of remembrance was proclaimed on May 30, 1868, by General John A. Logan, a leader of the National Civil War Veterans organization.
“If you were to ask somebody what Memorial Day is, you might be surprised at the response,” Vegas said. “It’s a three-day weekend. It’s a Memorial Day sale. It’s a family cookout. But to a veteran, it’s a day of remembrance to the life and memory of the veterans who have given their lives for the freedom we have today.”
The ceremony included a reading of a poem written by an Iraqi soldier to his parents, anticipating his death in combat. “If I die in a war zone, box me up and send me home,” the poem began. “Tell my mom I did my best.”
Attendees were invited to stand and name fallen loved ones while ringing a bell.
The ceremony concluded with a three-volley rifle salute and a benediction asking God to protect troops and comfort the families of the fallen.
Frank Marszalik, a 99-year-old World War II veteran and member of the Post, was recognized during the ceremony. The post also extended wishes to Rich Beloz, a veteran at the VA Hines Medical Center who could not attend.
The auxiliary also observed a moment of silence for eight members lost since last Memorial Day.
After the ceremony concluded, hamburgers and hot dogs were served inside for the nearly 80 people who attended.
Alderman Silvana Tabares (23rd), who was there with her son, expressed what it means to her for the Rhine Post to hold the ceremony every year.
“It is so important. We can never forget,” Tabares said.
“I know a lot of families are out celebrating with a barbecue, getting together, but these ceremonies are important because we need to be reminded of the brave men and women that sacrificed their lives for our country and for our freedom. It’s important that young people also see that as well. I’m so proud of this VFW and Commander Johnson for always doing that, not just on Memorial Day, but on Veterans Day, Labor Day and throughout the year. He is so engaged with the community. I’m so proud to be part of that.”
