May 31, 2022
On a cold and windy Memorial Day morning, over 100 people gathered at the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building in Pocatello to honor those who gave their lives to preserve our freedoms.
Pastor Stephen Yadon, of Christ Church in Pocatello, opened the ceremony with an invocation. Next, Major David Worley of Pocatello spoke briefly about the men and women who have sacrificed their lives out of love for their families and their country. He then posed a question: “What does this have to do with us? We are the living; they are the dead. How can we truly honor their sacrifice, and how can the sacrifices [of] generations past help us now?” His answer was both simple and thought-provoking: “This is the great covenant of civilization: that the living live to honor the dead and those that are yet to be born. On this day we remember the dead, but that memory should impress upon us a duty to live so that their sacrifice will carry forward from generation to generation…We must commit to preserving in peace what so many preserved in war. And if the darkness of war comes again, we must fill our hearts and the hearts of our children with the love of country necessary to face fearful odds for the ashes of our fathers and the temples of our God.” (To read the full text of Major Worley’s speech, click here.)
After Major Worley’s remarks, the colors were presented by Miguel Dominic Sr. and Jr. The large flag was raised to half staff on a new flagpole, erected thanks to a donation by Steel West of Pocatello. Miss Charity Anderson sang the National Anthem. Finally, Chubbuck Mayor Kevin England placed a wreath at the base of the flagpole, and taps was played by the AMVETS honor guard. Pastor Yadon then offered the closing benediction.
All attendees were invited to enjoy a luncheon after the service, prepared by various members of the Veterans Service Organizations.
