Published: May 15, 2008 11:08 am            

Clinton to honor fallen heroes

CLINTON — The Clinton and Gateway United Patriotic Committee has announ-ced that Iowa State Rep. Polly Bukta, D-Clinton, will be the Memo-rial Day speaker for this year’s annual event.

The Clinton Memorial Day service will take place at 10 a.m. May 26 at the south side of the mausoleum, known as the “Rose of Sharon,” located in Clinton Lawn Cemetery, 2600 Lincoln Way.

Those planning to attend are asked to bring their own lawn chairs; however, some chairs will be available. In case of inclement weather, the service will be moved indoors at the Lemke Funeral Home, the new South Chapel. Handicap parking places will be available.

Bukta has been a member of the Iowa House of Representatives since 1997. She represents District 26, which covers part of Clinton County and was elected the first woman Speaker Pro Tempore of the Iowa House in 2006. She serves on the Education, Local Government, Transportation and Veterans Affairs committees.

She moved to Clinton from Pennsylvania in 1967 when she was hired as a fifth-grade teacher. Polly and her husband, Mike Bukta, are the parents of two adult sons, Paul and Aaron, both graduates of the University of Iowa; a grandson, Ronan; and twin granddaughters, Maryjane and Julia.

She is an active member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Clinton as well as numerous business and civic organizations, including the Clinton Women’s Club, the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce, the AAUW, Delta Kappa Gamma, the P.E.O. Chapter KY Clinton, and is a life member of the NEA.

As part of the service, the welcome and introduction of guests and the combined veterans organizations will be by Richard Kelley, a member of the Clinton AMVETS Post 28. The invocation will be given by Don Krambeck, chaplain of the American Legion Post 190. Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Robert Soesbe, commander of American Legion Post 190, followed by the singing of the national anthem by Ben and Tom Ehrhart.

Clinton Mayor Rodger Holm will give the Memorial Day welcome. The G.A.R. memorial address will be read by Velma Voss and Eugene Steensen. This year’s honor roll, consisting of 150 Clinton, Camanche and Fulton, Ill., veterans will be read by Verne Drews, past commander of the Clinton AMVETS Post 28.

Salute to the dead will be by the AMVETS Post 28 rifle squad with Joe Kampling, sergeant-at-arms, followed by drum rolls by Jim and John Harden, “Taps” and “Echo Taps” by Bill Hall and Mike LeBlanc.

After the program, everyone is welcome to attend a luncheon at the AMVETS Club, 1317 S.17th St., at no cost. Donations will be accepted.

Anyone can be a part of the Gateway United Patriotic Committee just by coming to the meetings, which usually begin in April. Also, anyone who would like to memorialize a deceased veteran by having their flag flown in the “Avenue of Flags” or make a donation to purchase a pole at Clinton Lawn Cemetery can contact Lemke Funeral Home at 242-2626 or 242-0853.

If any veteran’s name has been left out of this year’s honor roll, please let the committee know and the name will be added to the list next year.

For more information, contact co-chairmen Jerry Ramig, 243-3651, Eugene Steensen, 242-4697, or Alfred Woods, 815-589-4686.

        

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