Superior honors those who have fallen in war

Unofficially, Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer for many American families, but the holiday has a much more significance than this.

Originally, Memorial Day was first called Decoration Day. It was a day set aside for individuals to honor those who had died preserving the Union in the Civil War. It was called Decoration Day as people gathered to decorate the graves of dead soldiers with flowers. General John Logan, National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, officially proclaimed Decoration Day on May 5, 1868 and it was first observed on May 30, 1868.

By the late 1800s, many communities across the United States had begun to celebrate Memorial Day and, after World War I, observances also began to honor those who had died in all of America's wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May.

This past Monday, despite some light rain falling, a small group gathered outside the bridge that spans that Clark Fork River to honor fallen soldiers, comrades and family members that have served the country.

Members of the Lloyd Riding Post 6238 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars lined up at 10:45 a.m. and marched onto the bridge. A prayer was offered for the departed comrades and a biodegradable wreath was dropped in the river. Afterwards, the veterans fired three volleys and Taps was played. Veterans then advanced to the Superior Cemetery where the flag was flying at half-staff. Again, a short service and prayer was conducted and a volley was again fired followed by Taps. The flag was then raised to full staff.

Roger Lindgren felt that the ceremony was appropriate for the day's events even if only a few gathered, though he said that there were quite a few at the cemetery.

"I think it's fitting that we have that memorial and that we remember those who have served and given their lives for our freedom," said Lindgren, a veteran of the U.S. Coastguard. "Basically, that's the ultimate sacrifice."

Lindgren said Memorial Day is a special time to come together each year and remember those who have fallen.

"It's just a time to honor them and it's important that we do," Lindgren said. "It's a time to remember."