By Jolene FarleyHills, Beaver Creek and Steen residents will remember fallen comrades and local heroes during two memorial services on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26. Legion Commander Robert Sandbulte encourages residents to attend."A lot of people have sacrificed for the freedoms we have. I think it’s important we remember that," Sandbulte said.The Hills-Beaver Creek High School band opens a 9 a.m. Memorial Day service at the Hills American Legion Hall.After the Presentation of the Colors, the Pledge of Allegiance and renditions of the "Star Spangled Banner" and "America," Pastor Fred Wilgenberg will offer the invocation.Lee Walraven will read the poem "Freedom’s Never Free" in remembrance of prisoners of war and those missing in action.Fritz Nuffer will speak about how fortunate he was to be raised in Hills and Rock County because "people in the area care about each other". Nuffer, a Hills High School graduate, retired after 26 years in the Army. He served two tours in the Vietnam War. "They have values, and have a respect for God, country and community," Nuffer said. He will touch on the sacrifices of those called to active duty in the National Guard and Reserve units.Nuffer said these heroes "give up a lot of money and time much more than expected when they signed on."After Nuffers’ speech, the memorial service moves to Bethlehem Cemetery where the deceased American Legion and Auxiliary members from the past year will be honored. After the firing squad salute, Shanna Tilstra will play Taps. Lunch will be served at the Legion Hall. The Hills service is sponsored by the Hills American Legion Post 399.Beaver Creek’s social hour begins at 9:15 a.m., before 10:30 a.m. memorial services at Driver’s Restaurant. The Hills-Beaver Creek High School band is also scheduled to play for the Beaver Creek ceremony.Luverne teacher Jim Sanden, Sioux Falls, will speak. Sanden was in the Army infantry and served one tour in the Vietnam War. More information about his speech was unavailable at press time.Beaver Creek Cemetery Graveside Services begin at approximately 12:15 p.m. with the honor guard, Taps and a gun salute.The Beaver Creek graveside service is sponsored by the Luverne American Legion Post 123 and Auxiliary and V.F.W. Post 2757 and Auxiliary.
