To the editor,

Hats off to the very best Memorial Day program.

I had the privilege to attend an outstanding Memorial Day Program in my hometown of Ellsworth, because of the committee of three who did a premier job.

The speaker, Col. Sam Kraemer, USAF Commander, 934^th Airlift Wing, Minneapolis, was especially welcoming and easy to listen to. His message came across as warm and pleasing, and we found his youth, with smiles, to be refreshing. While he is responsible for the organizing, training and equipping of airmen in the 934^th Airlift Wing in Minnesota, comprised of three groups (maintenance, operations and mission support, including 1,600 airmen and eight C130s, he spoke of HIS appreciation for our attendance. I’m sure he could’ve communicated his message far above our heads, speaking of his many missions as a pilot, but he spoke as though we were having a simple conversation. He didn’t lecture or ask how many of us had lost a brother, father, daughter, son, uncle or aunt in war, as most of us had. He said he is following his forefathers and trying to do so with gratitude.

Most important was his opening paragraph: After thanking many and stating his appreciation for the live band, he shared he wants all of us to pull a younger generation family member into these ceremonies. He said it’s easy to get lost in the everyday yard work, boating and holiday life, but it’s extremely important to bring a younger “someone” with you. I made a pledge, along with my husband, that in the years ahead when we attend this program, we would bring a younger person with us. And like he said, one can still enjoy picnics and family, but try not to forget the military men and women who daily serve our towns and cities, making our lives peaceful.

For many years as a teacher in grade 3, we completed the last month of school writing about Memorial Day, making poppies, and hopefully understanding that it’s established to honor and remember American service members who died while serving in the U.S. military, including those who died during peacetime and war. I thought of this, as he was speaking, and as the poem “In Flanders Field” was read.

I wanted to include that poem and remember that Flanders is a real region in Belgium. From 1914-1918, a million soldiers during WWI were killed, missing or wounded, from over 50 countries. Many cities across Europe were destroyed. The war created prime conditions for poppies to flourish in northeast Europe, with seeds fertilized by the nitrogen from the explosives, and lime from the buildings destroyed.

Also, it’s important to note the author of the poem, Lt. Col. John McCrea, a Canadian surgeon who died in 1918, is buried near the fields of Flanders.

I looked forward to Memorial Day 2026 when I attend with at least one “someone” who is young, and hopefully inspired, to always remember that “Our Freedom is Not Free.”

Ruth (Klecker) Robey

Stillwater, Minn.