May 31, 2023
Though Memorial Day dawned with the nicest weather Southeast Idaho had seen in days, the mood at the Bannock County Veterans Memorial building was hushed as a several dozen residents gathered to commemorate the reason for the observance. Those scheduled to speak stood in a knot on the east side of the walk that curves between the vintage guns and the flagpole; the five members of the rifle squad stood ready along the western side of the walk. Two men bearing the colors waited near the flag pole. Quietly, the audience arranged themselves in chairs between the antiaircraft gun and the easternmost cannon, or along the fence behind.
The ceremony started a few minutes after 10:00 a.m., with a welcome by Mr. Chip Wanglin and a benediction by Chuck Humphrey. Next, 6th District Court Judge Rick Carnaroli took the podium. He spoke briefly about Memorial Day’s beginnings in the late 1860’s, as the nation sought to heal from the wounds of the Civil War, and traced its development into a national observance intended to commemorate the dead of all the nation’s wars.
Judge Carnaroli also reflected on Memorial Day’s de facto position as “the unofficial start of summer: a weekend for cookouts, beach trips, boating, camping and auto races.” He called on the audience to do better. “I believe that this is not just like any other three day weekend,” he said. “I propose that we all find a way to truly stop and reflect upon the ultimate sacrifice made by some of our servicemen and women…the reason for Memorial Day is still easy to find if you stop, reflect, and say thanks and a prayer for the fallen. I say to you that we should all remember to do that.”
After Judge Carnaroli’s speech, Chuck Humphrey pronounced the benediction. The audience rose in salute as members of the North Bannock Fire District raised the American flag to the peak of the Veterans Building’s flagpole before lowering it to half-staff. Miss Charity Anderson sang the first verse of the National Anthem. After the anthem, members of American Legion Post 4 fired three rifle volleys, followed by taps.
After Mr. Wanglin closed the ceremony, local Vietnam veteran Stan Wallerstedt released two crates of homing pigeons. The first, a flight of white birds, were released in honor and memory of those Americans who have given their lives in service to the nation. The second crate, of gray birds, symbolized the animals who have suffered and died as a result of the wars in which they have become entangled. The two groups of birds circled the Veterans Memorial a few times before starting home on paths only they could see.
Following the release of the pigeons, some audience members left to place wreaths at the various cemeteries, while others enjoyed a complimentary luncheon provided by the various Ladies Auxiliaries.
Anyone desiring more information about the pigeons may contact Stan Wallerstedt at 208-775-4908 or 208-251-4908.
