Mount Vernon and Lisbon held Memorial Day services Monday, May 26.

More than 100 citizens were present at the Mount Vernon Memorial Day service, as members of the Mount Vernon Marching Band and Mount Vernon choirs both performed music for the ceremony.

“I’m so happy to see so many people here at the ceremony this year, including so many young people,” said Michael Woods, Legion commander.

Woods also acknowledged that the Legion felt a huge hole this past year, when Fred Lehman, a long time member, passed away, dedicating most of the service in honor of him

United Methodist Church of Mount Vernon pastor Vicki Fisher provided the opening prayer and benediction.

Fisher asked those in attendance to remember those who had sacrificed their lives for the freedoms we hold dear, and to give strength to uphold that claim of liberty and justice for all.

“May the youth present be able to see a change in the world that embraces compassion and justice,” Fisher said.

Mayor Tom Wieseler said it was good to have this Memorial Day celebration and honor those who gave their lives for this country.

Wieseler also mentioned the work that is being done to honor veterans from the War of 1812 and the Civil War gravestones that will be recognized later this year.

“I’m fortunate to be a mayor of a town that holds Memorial Day in such high esteem,” Wieseler said.

Mount Vernon’s poet laureate Scott Russell Morris presented his original poem for the occasion (see page ).

At Lisbon, the fifth graders who won “What the Flag Means to Me” essay contests presented their essays.

Teacher Erin Chalupa said the unit makes students reflect on what that symbol of the United States means to them and write in a more formal format of essays for contest.

“They all come away with a new appreciation of the flag,” she said.

Those students were Aubrey Sporrer (third), Hollis Whitman (second) and Oliver Broulik (first), and the essays were printed in the ( ) issue of the Sun.

Lisbon elementary principal Justin Brown was the guest speaker at the Lisbon ceremony.

“I’m honored to be speaking, but I’m also a bit nervous,” Brown said. “Because this speech is honoring people who gave their lives for our freedoms. I want to give my heartfelt thank you to the families who had to go through losing a loved one to keep our freedoms free.”

Brown said that at Lisbon Elementary School, many students there have hopes, dreams and goals for their future, which are also protected by those same veterans.

“We do more than just teach reading and math at the school,” Brown said. “We teach about respect, care and gratitude, especially for those who served out country.”

Brown also said three members of the class of 2025 at Lisbon have chosen to go into the armed forces.

“I’m incredibly grateful for those who have served, but also for those who are no longer with us,” Brown said.