‘Let us remember and never forget their sacrifice’

ROCHELLE — Memorial Day was celebrated on Monday in Rochelle with a parade and ceremony at the Veterans War Memorial at Lawnridge Cemetery that featured speeches by Mayor John Bearrows and representatives of VFW Post 3878 and American Legion Post 403.

"On Memorial Day, we reflect on and share the experiences of our fallen loved ones," Bearrows said. "But tomorrow and on all the days to follow, we must act. Let us carry their sacrifice with us in our hearts and strive to honor them and carry their memory by being good, faithful, hopeful, strong and committed to a brighter future for all."

American Legion Post 403 Commander John Gruben spoke at the event and shared the tradition of the POW/MIA Missing Man Table, symbolizing missing members of America's armed forces.

"This small table occupies a space of dignity and honor," Gruben said. "It is set for one, symbolizing that members of our armed forces are missing from our ranks. We call them comrades. They are unable to be with their loved ones and families. So we join to pay humble tribute to them and bear witness to their continued absence. Let us remember and never forget their sacrifice."

Rochelle Veterans War Memorial President Chuck Roberts spoke about the memorial coming to be. It features 872 engraved bricks with names of veterans from all branches. Bricks are added before Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Flags for each branch are replaced twice a year. Once a year, flowers are planted around the memorial and maintained by volunteers.

VFW Commander Joe Drought then spoke to the crowd about the symbolic grave at the event, representing the resting place of fallen service members. A ceremonial wreath was placed on the grave by veteran organization representatives.

Names of local veterans lost in the past year were read and the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts placed a flower on the grave for each name.

Drought then played Taps and a 21-gun salute was performed to close the event.