Wasilla takes Memorial Walk

LYNSEA GARRISON

Frontiersman reporter

A long line of families, friends, veterans and children waved small, American flags at passing cars in celebration of Memorial Day, as they walked a half-mile from the Wasilla Post Office to the Wasilla Cemetery in the 58th annual Memorial Walk. Members of VFW Post 9365, the Ladies Auxiliary, Girl Scouts and others walked to the cemetery where a memorial service was held afterward.

Joni Fleckenstein, a Wasilla resident her whole life, has been participating in the Memorial Walk for more than 40 years.

"I used to play 'Taps' for this in high school," she said. "My dad was in World War II, my grandfather was in World War I and my husband and brother are in the Navy. They're all very special, everyone who serves, even if we don't know them all."

Courtney Collins, a first-year Girl Scout, also participated in the walk.

"I think it's important to support the people who died and their families," she said.

After the walk, in a quiet setting shadowed by trees, members of the VFW Post 9365 began the service beside the grave of Jack Mincing, a veteran who served in World War II and the Navy for four years.

In the beginning of the service, Bill Dishon, commander of VFW Post 9365, gave opening remarks thanking the walkers for participating in the event, especially the children.

"I want to give a special thanks to the children who are here," he said. "I just want to thank parents who have made an effort to give their children good American values."

Dishon continued with words of what Memorial Day has grown to mean to some people.

"For many Americans, this is just a federal holiday; it's just a three-day weekend," he said. "It's true meaning is oftentimes blurred by commercialism."

Dishon went on to say the freedoms that Americans enjoy "did not come cheaply." He encouraged attendants to walk around the graves of fallen veterans and to reflect on the sacrifices given for freedom.

"This should be a day we honor both living and dead veterans," he said.

Veterans and spectators took off their hats and bowed their heads as VFW Post 9365 member Harry Saunders gave a prayer asking God to bless America with freedom and to "praise our great name forever."

After the prayer, red, white and blue flowers were placed next to Minnick's grave symbolizing purity, remembrance and a life everlasting.

Debbie Dishon, the Ladies Auxiliary Post 9365 president, set white daisies next to Minnick's cross.

"This is for a life everlasting; for individuals who have given their lives by sea, land or in air," she said.

Then, in closing, two American Legion members pointed their guns into the air and gave a 21-gun salute. "Taps" was sounded afterward as attendants saluted, stood in silence or placed their hands over their hearts in honor and appreciation of all who have served America.