Honoring sacrifice

Sidney chapters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and American Legion combined forces Memorial Day morning to provide a memorial service honoring those who have served and died in service to their country.

"It's not about the beginning of summer, or a long weekend," said Fred Wiedeburg, serving as master of ceremonies. "Memorial Day is the most solomn of holidays, to honor those who have died in service to their country."

Wiedeburg, a retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class, was among a handful of retirees showing honor in uniform.

Featured speaker Scott Bloomquist, a retired U.S. Marine, said he joined in showing honor to "those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, that we might be free."

More than 250 local residents lined the area of the Veteran's Memorial at Greenwood Cemetery, many moving to the circular drive after visiting graves throughout Greenwood.

"We are here today to remember the sacrifice of those who sacrifice all for our freedom," Bloomquist said. He spoke of his oversees experiences, where people have to show identification to pass between areas within a single country.

"But not here in America," Bloomquist said. "We don't have to do that because of our freedom."

"Remember that flavor of freedom," Bloomquist concluded. "That freedom that comes at the cost of sacrifice."

A 21-gun salute, followed by the playing of "taps" and laying of a wreath at the memorial also highlighted the service.