Staff report

ELLSWORTH – Ellsworth American Legion Post 204 visited cemeteries throughout the area on Memorial Day to salute fallen soldiers and veterans who have passed away. Three squads of Legion members visited 15 area cemeteries.

The Legion members then gathered with community members for a program at the Ellsworth Middle School Cafetorium. Legion Post 204 Commander and master of ceremonies Gary Regenscheid asked the crowd for an ovation for two people who have been instrumental in the program who were helping for the final time: Ellsworth High School Principal Mark Stoesz, who retires at the close of the school year, and Nick Junker, who directs the Ellsworth High School band.

Junker is furthering his studies on scholarship at UCLA.

Fr. David Olson of St. Francis of Assisi led the invocation, and the band performed several patriotic pieces, followed by Post 204 Auxiliary President Phyllis Beastrom’s introductions and remarks on Gold Star Mothers.

Pete Huppert was guest speaker on the topic of the Battle of Bulge.

Following tributes and a wreath ceremony, Ellsworth Boy Scout Troop 138 recited the famous poem, “In Flan- ders Field," that described the poppies growing amid crosses of those killed in battle in World War I.

After the POW/MIA ceremony and prayer, the ceremony closed with the gun salute and playing of taps.

A lunch followed at the Legion Hall.

Veterans, families and community members assembled at the Ellsworth Middle School Cafetorium for the Memorial Day ceremony. A parade leading to the ceremony had to be cancelled because of inclement weather.Photo by John McLoone

Master of Ceremonies for the Ellsworth Memorial Day program was Ellsworth American Legion Post 204 Commander Gary Regenscheid. Regenscheid credited retiring Ellsworth High School principal Mark Stoesz for his help in organizing the ceremony each year at the onset of the event. Photo by John McLoone

Following invocation by Fr. David Olson of St. Francis of Assisi and Ellsworth High School Band musical selections, Post 204 Auxiliary President Phyllis Beastrom introduced Gold Star Mothers in attendance at the Ellsworth Memorial Day ceremony. Gold Star mothers are a group that lost family members in service to the country. Photo by John McLoone