'Nothing comes without cost'

RITZVILLE - More than 50 residents turned out Monday, May 29, to remember the reason for Memorial Day.

During a solemn observance on a grassy knoll in Ritzville Memorial Cemetery, 312 American flags rose and fell in a slight breeze as veterans, scouts and others paid tribute to local war dead.

The observance included an invocation from Pastor Ryo Olson of Ritzville Church of the Nazarene and a benediction by Co-Pastor Nathaniel Christmas of Ritzville Lutheran Church.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 11446 Cmdr. Jeff Kissler provided the keynote address.

Kissler first offered a brief history of Memorial Day, then reminded those in attendance why they were present.

"... I stand before you on this proud day of remembrance and ask that you join me in not only remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the good of this great nation, but in truly reflecting on their legacy," he said.

"There has been no other nation on Earth whose sacrifice has been greater than ours ... nowhere in the pages of history has there been a country before ours that has paid a higher price for the freedom of others."

Kissler said America's fallen soldiers and other war dead where lives not lost in vain, as they contributed to who we are as a nation today.

Rather than mourn America's war dead, Kissler encouraged everyone to "celebrate the lives lived."

He encouraged those in attendance to teach America's youth that freedom came at a cost.

"It is our responsibility to teach our youth that nothing comes without cost, and that sacrifices are meaningless without remembrance," he said.

Kissler said Americans should be proud of the honor and patriotism that made us who we are today.

"The courage possessed by the men and women we honor today is something that cannot be learned," he said. "It is something that is felt deep within.

"The willingness to die for our beliefs is truly what makes America home of the braved."

Kissler asked for Americans to put aside politics and war and "unite in tribute and respect" for veterans and America's war dead, and their families.

"Let us ensure our youth understand at an early age that their freedom was paid forward at great expense," he said. "Let us work to educate others on the true meaning of Memorial Day."

Following his speech, Kissler took time to read out the roll call of veterans who passed away over the last year.

"Spc. Rogan. Spc. Frank Rogan. Spc Frank A. Rogan," he said as began reading the roll call that included Rogan, Spc. Thomas L. Kadlec, Sr. Airman Jerry G. Williams and Spc. Robert W. Schoessler.

He also added Sgt. Stanley Z. Streeter, who passed away more than a year ago, but who was not listed on the roll call last year.

Following roll call, bugler Bo Gingrich played Taps.

The ceremony closed with Christman's benediction.

"Today, we acknowledge the men and women who gave their lives to a cause and ideal greater than themselves," he said. "We pray for the coming day when war will be no more and God will wipe every tear from our eyes."

After the observance concluded, Kissler said he was happy to see more than 50 people in attendance.

Just a short four years ago, only eight people showed up to remember local war heroes.

"This is the largest crowd we've had since 2019," he said, noting he's hoping Ritzville's Memorial Day observance will continue to grow.

But Kissler said it'll take more veterans and community volunteers. For example, he said there wasn't an Honor Guard or Rifle Team this year because of a shortage of volunteer veterans. Anyone interested in volunteering can call Kissler at 509-601-7994.

Author Bio

Roger Harnack, Publisher

Roger Harnack is owner/publisher of Free Press Publishing. An award-winning journalist, photographer, editor and publisher who grew up in Eastern Washington, he's one of only two Washington state journalists ever to receive the international Golden Quill for editorial/commentary writing. Roger is committed to preserving local media, and along with it, a local voice for Eastern Washington.

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