WAYNEDALE’S MEMORIAL DAY PARADE TO HONOR ALL SERVICE MEN & WOMEN
Memorial Day was first called Decoration Day. For decades people have decorated the graves of their loved ones, with Memorial Day primarily to honor those who died in military service.
Memorial Day weekend in Waynedale is no different. This year it begins when U.S. flags are placed on fellow veteran’s graves at the Prairie Grove Cemetery on Old Trail Road, early Saturday morning on May 29th.
Then on Monday, Memorial Day, May 31st the American Legion Post #241, AMVets #33, and VFW #1421 will step off at 9am to begin Waynedale’s traditional Memorial Day parade. This year’s parade committee has selected as their Grand Marshall, MSgt Anthony Johnston.
MSgt Johnston has served in the military for over 25 years and continues to serve as First Sergeant for the Aircraft Maintenance Squadron with the 122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard located near Fort Wayne International Airport.
Tony grew up in the Monroeville area, and currently lives in rural Hoagland with his wife, Marilyn (Knapke) and three children, Kaitlin, Alexandria and Jack.
Tony has been on every overseas deployment that the 122nd Fighter Wing has ever been involved in.
It is always a wonderful experience to welcome back military that have recently returned from overseas knowing the dangers and uncontrolled circumstances that they have gone through.
Humble servant, to the United States, God and his family, Tony recalls how he thought it was, “easier for me to deploy to Iraq, than it was for my wife being here doing all her day-to-day tasks, as well as all of mine.” The worst part of serving, “…is about the not knowing for my wife and family. That is really hard, especially with the instant nature of the news now. It’s not just Mar (Tony’s wife) either, all three of our children, and my wife, team up when I’m gone to present a united front. They inspire me.”
Above and beyond, Tony is dedicated to our freedom. He has served in a plethora of overseas conflicts. While serving our country with honor, courage and commitment, he has also received several military awards, ribbons and medals. And most recently selected as First Sergeant of the Year from the Indiana Joint Forces Headquarters National Guard, Chief of Staff/Commander J. Stewart Goodwin, Brig Gen, IN ANG.
On Memorial Day after the parade, don’t miss the ceremony honoring all those who have served and are serving in the armed forces. The military service will begin promptly following the parade at the Prairie Grove Cemetery on Old Trail Road. Master of Ceremony MSgt Anthony Johnston will present the message for the 2010 Waynedale Memorial Day service. The National Anthem and Taps will be played by the Elmhurst High School band, a ceremonial 21-gun salute to the veterans and the placing of the memorial wreath will complete the ceremony.
How important it is to keep America free. How fortunate we are to live here and have members of the military serve, like MSgt Johnston, who remains committed to our country.
As our country continues to have soldiers overseas, it is only right that we take a moment out of our lives to pause and give thanks to each and every man and woman who has put themselves in harms way to protect the values and the freedom we all enjoy every day.
Let’s continue the Waynedale tradition in honoring all veterans on this very special event—Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony.
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