Published: May 18, 2009 10:01 am      

Braley to speak at Memorial Day service

CLINTON — U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley will speak at this year’s annual Clinton Memorial Day service.

The service, presented by the Clinton and Gateway United Patriotic Committee, will take place at 10 a.m., Monday, May 25, at the south side of the mausoleum, known as the “Rose of Sharon,” located at the Clinton Lawn Cemetery, 2600 Lincoln Way.

Those planning to attend are asked to bring lawn chairs; however, some chairs will be available. In case of inclement weather, the service will be moved indoors to the Lemke Funeral Home, south chapel. Handicap parking will be available.

Braley was born in Grinnell in 1957 and grew up in Brooklyn, Iowa, in Poweshiek County and graduated from BGM High School. He attended Iowa State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1980. He then graduated from the University of Iowa School of Law in 1983 and moved to Waterloo working as an attorney. He has been actively involved in his community for many years, and was honored with the Cedar Valley Mayors’ Volunteer Performance Award in 1998 for his service.

He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives on Nov. 7, 2006, and was re-elected to a second term in 2008 and currently serves on the House Energy Commerce Committee. He serves Iowa’s first district.

Edward Staszewski, director of Veterans Affairs for Clinton County, will do the welcome and introductions, and the posting of the colors and flag-raising will be by the Iowa National Guard, 248th ABS Detachment One, Company A of Clinton. Donald Krambeck will give the invocation and William Reinhart will be the chaplain and give the Pledge of Allegiance. Krambeck and Reinhart are past commanders and members of American legion Post #190. The National Anthem will be sung by Ben and Tom Ehrhart.

Clinton Mayor Rodger Holm will give the Memorial Day welcome while the G.A.R. memorial address will be read by Lanie Lass, president of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #190 and Gordon Sims, commander of the Fulton American Legion Post #402.

This year’s honor roll, consisting of 130 Clinton and Fulton veterans will be read by Eugene Steensen, member of the American Legion and AMVETS.

Salute to the dead will be by the AMVETS Post #28 rifle squad with Joe Kampling, Sergeant-at-Arms, followed by drum rolls by Jack and Nate Harden and taps by Stephanie Baker.

After the program everyone is welcome to attend a luncheon at the AMVETS Club, 1317 S. 17th St. at no cost but a donation 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. They help organize this Memorial Day program to honor deceased veterans.

Representatives include: American Legion Post and Auxiliary 190, Fulton American Legion Post 402, AMVETS Post 28 Auxiliary and Sons, Clinton Vietnam Veterans Association, Fraternal Order of Eagles and Auxiliary, Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 363 and Clinton County Veterans Affairs.

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, contact Lemke Funeral Home at 242-0853.

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