Meaning of Memorial Day reinforced at Hampton observance

The relevance of the last Monday of each May can get lost in the late-spring shuffle.

“Before I actually knew what Memorial Day was, I just thought it was a day we celebrate that has something to do with soldiers,” Hampton High School junior Gabby Imbarlina said. “Now, thinking back, that is awful.”

Serving as one of the speakers at the township’s May 30 Memorial Day observance, she read an essay she wrote that sets the record straight.

“If you truly think, deep down, how you cannot honor someone who died fighting for us and our freedom?” she said. “These soldiers, these people, those who fought and those who continue to fight need to be recognized and continuously remembered.”

Judging by attendance at the ceremony, organized by American Legion Post 296 and held at the Veterans Memorial Court outside the Hampton Community Center, a large number of local residents agree with her assessment.

So does Vince Riehl, an Eagle Scout from Troop 17 who read Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address as part of the proceedings.

“Before I begin, I want to say a quick word of thanks for all of you who showed up. I know that to most people, this is just another three-day weekend, a holiday to maybe get some yard work, to relax, have a barbecue,” he said.

“But I want to thank you for coming here and remember what this holiday is about. It’s a somber holiday, but there’s nothing wrong with having fun and relaxing this weekend. I’m sure it’s what the veterans would have wanted. They would have wanted you to enjoy your freedom. But while you do so, at least for one day, remember what they gave up so that you can have this freedom.”

The day’s featured speaker was retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jason Pike, who spent 26 years on active duty during which he deployed to both Afghanistan and Iraq, and was awarded the Bronze Star.

Post 296 member Hal English, who organized the ceremony, asked Pike to talk about what Memorial Day means to him. At first, he considered reviewing the holiday’s history, but decided the topic wasn’t all that relevant personally.

“So the next day I wrote a speech that included the time I sat outside of a house before dawn in my uniform, waiting for the lights to come on, to tell a mother, a wife and a two-year-old that their father, their son and their husband was killed in Iraq,” Pike said.

Finally, he came up with what he delivered:

“What does Memorial Day mean to me? And the answer is, and this might surprise you, not very much.

“See, Memorial Day is every day to a lot of people. It’s every day to me, and I’m not alone. For every parent who lost a child in a foreign land, Memorial Day is every day. For every child who lost a parent or a sibling, Memorial Day is every day. And to every soldier, Marine, sailor, airman or guardian who lost a brother or sister in arms, Memorial Day is every day.”

For the official Memorial Day, Chad Himmler directed the Hampton High School Band in providing musical accompaniment, including a “Marches of the Armed Forces” medley during which veterans of all branches of the service were invited to the area of the podium, receiving rounds of hearty applause.

Other Troop 17 Scouts joined Girl Scouts from Troop 52474 in the ceremony, including presenting flowers on behalf of those who served.

A special presentation was for Army veteran Stephen Bukovac, who died in January at 96. He served in the Battle of the Bulge, Germany’s final World War II offensive, and was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Good conduct medal and Bronze Star.

His wife, Barbara, to whom he was married for 67 years, took part in the presentation.

During Pike’s speech, the Hampton resident hypothesized about being able to speak today with two of his Army friends who died while serving.

“I would almost be positive that they would tell you to honor those we lost in the morning, but in the afternoon, have a burger and a cold beverage with your friends and family, and enjoy your time together,” he said.

“And if I can make one parting wish, it would be that Memorial Day remains very important to you, and especially Gabby and your generation, that we have no more soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines or guardians lost on foreign lands.”