The first of two major events in Iola to recognize veterans is right around the corner. Memorial Day will be observed at Iola’s Highland Cemetery on Monday, May 26.
Memorial services start at 11 a.m. and traditionally draw a crowd, including many veterans. It is a time to recognize those deceased who served the country.
Iola Municipal Band will play and representatives of veterans groups will place colors at the memorial spire in the veteran section of the cemetery. A speaker will be announced later.
A feature of recent years, and one that adds to the solemn event, is the avenue of flags along the road leading from the east entrance to the cemetery to veterans’ burial plots. Boy Scouts also have a role, placing flags at the graves of veterans.
The second veterans recognition will come on Nov. 8 in downtown Iola with Veterans Day ceremonies and parade, a time to recognize veterans living and dead.
Since its revival in 1989 after a 30-year hiatus, Alfred Link had been a central thread for Veterans Day activities. He put together the organization meeting that got it started and remained its chairman until last fall when ill health forced him to step down. Link died at age 83 on March 23.
Jamie Mosbrucker, recruiter for the 891 Engineer Battalion who works from the Iola National Guard armory, took the reins, and is eager to attract more members to the committee.
“We’re going to get started planning for November’s event next month,” said Mosbrucker.
Mosbrucker has two immediate goals for the Veterans Committee.
“We need to get more people involved with the committee and we need to raise money to complete the two new wings on the Veterans Wall,” he said.
Wanda Lytle, a member of the vets group since it inception 25 years ago, echoed Mosbrucker’s plea on membership.
“Most of us are getting a little old,” she said. “We need some younger members to help out.”
In addition to Lytle and Mosbrucker, members are his wife, Sandy, Connie Prock, Frank Niemeyer and Tom Nevans.
The committee’s first fundraiser will be an ice cream social at Iola Municipal Band concert on July 3.
Committee meetings will resume on May 21 at Lytle’s home, 311 North St. For information or to volunteer to help with the Veterans Committee call Lytle at 365-3545.
