In early May Robert Sandbulte called and asked me to meet him at the Legion Hall in Hills so that he could show me some old pictures.When I walked into the Hall, there was stuff everywhere. Apparently the City felt like spring cleaning. One table of what appeared to be junk was actually a pile of old, very old, pictures of residents who had served in the military in the first half of the century.From what Robert could tell me, the photos were mainly from World War II, but some looked old enough to be from World War I. I was mesmerized by these photographs.I couldn’t stop thinking of how hard it must have been for these young men and women (yes, there were several photos of young women) to leave their family farms and life in southwest Minnesota. Many looked so young and innocent, yet determined and focused. I kept trying to get Robert to help me figure out the stories behind the photos. I wanted to know the adventures they had been on — had they made it home safely, or had they died defending my country?Robert suggested I look through "Service Record World War I and II Hills and Community," a collection of photos and records of those who served. I jumped at the opportunity, hoping that I would find tales of adventure, horror and heroism.When I opened the book, I didn’t find what I was hoping for. The photos and names were there for many of the pictures I had seen on the table in the Legion Hall, but very few stories. The information was minimal. In honor of Memorial Day, I decided to run some of my favorite photos and the information that accompanied them.The stories of these men and women remain a mystery to me, but I bet Albert Juffer made the best of his situation in the war. And Chester Westby … was his spirit broken while serving 42 months in the war?I am the daughter and granddaughter of men who served. Memorial Day has always caused me to pause and think back to the stories they have yet to tell me about their experiences. It is important to share those memories, the good and the bad, so that generations after us can still understand the depth of their sacrificesI encourage residents to spend time with veterans during Memorial Day weekend and ask questions about their experiences. It is a very good way to honor those that aren’t here to share their stories anymore.Poppies at Orv’s The Hills Legion Auxiliary is no longer a thriving part of the community, but treasurer Lois Nelson is still doing her part to keep the memory of America’s servicemen alive.Poppies made by veterans have become a symbol of the sacrifice of lives in war and represent the hope that none had died in vain.The money raised from the sale of these small tissue flowers helps veterans currently using the services offered in veterans homes across America.For the past year my father-in-law has been relying on these services to keep him alive, and I am personally indebted to the role America’s veterans homes play for our servicemen.Lois has made sure residents in the area have a chance to help these servicemen, so the next time you stop by Orv’s, ask for a red poppie.Memorial Day Service – May 30The American Legion members welcome residents to join them in honoring our fallen servicemen during a Memorial Day ceremony at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 30, at the Legion Hall in Hills.Story ideas or comments can be emailed to Lexi Moore at lexim@star-herald.com or called in at 962-3561.
