VFW Post 5242 and the American Legion Post 89 in Pella remembered fallen veterans with a special ceremony Sunday afternoon at the Pella Memorial Building.

Service members in attendance were also recognized by their branch of service. Ken Hoksbergen read a poem about the origin of poppies becoming widely recognized as the flower of remembrance for those who served the country and passed away. He hopes everyone across the nation will recognize the true meaning of the Memorial Day holiday.

Veterans of Foreign Wars 5th District Commander, Russ Saffell of Des Moines was the special guest speaker, and shared information about U.S. military service members who died in major conflicts and his own feelings about war and its cost.

The Gary Cottington Quartet sang patriotic songs, and at the end of the ceremony, the VFW and American Legion saluted those who died in battle and all deceased veterans of past wars with a three-volley salute and the playing of taps.

Tune into Let’s Talk Pella today to hear the sounds of the Pella Memorial Day Ceremony.