Lincoln community gathers at Wyuka Cemetery to honor those who've served country

The 86-year-old, who attended the first of three scheduled Lincoln Memorial Day ceremonies across town on Monday, said he liked that at Wyuka Cemetery respect was in spades.

"To me, Memorial Day means more than you can possibly believe," Clark said. "I don't know that I can even say it without breaking down."

Members of the Lincoln community gathered at the cemetery's G.A.R. Circle for about two hours Monday morning, listening to local leaders and observing various ceremonial rituals.

Tom Barber of the People's City Mission led prayers at the start and end of the ceremony, while Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly delivered the keynote speech, reflecting on Nebraskans' service during World War II.

"Over 3,626 Nebraskans — soldiers, sailors, airmen — died in service during World War II," Kelly said. "What a price those fallen paid for us to be here today. We recently gained some perspective with the death of Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens in the Iranian conflict. He was a resident of Bellevue."

By the time the crowd of about 150 dispersed, a Lincoln North Star High School student had sung the national anthem, a wreath had been cast into the cemetery's pond for those fallen at sea and a Girl Scout troop had decorated graves with roses. A Boy Scout troop also presented historic flags, rifles were fired and "Taps" was played.

The ceremony also included a recitation of the creeds of the various military branches, a reading of 1868 "Memorial Day Order" that formalized the holiday and the ringing of a bell to honor firefighters.

Elijah Stewart-Starks attended the ceremony with other members of his Trail Life troop. Trail Life is faith-based organization similar to the Boy Scouts.

The 12-year-old said his favorite part of the ceremony was the presentation of about a dozen flags the United States has used throughout its history. The flag was last modified in 1960, when Hawaii became a state.

"We're here to remember those who've died," Stewart-Starks said. "(It's important) because they served our country and we just shouldn't forget them."

Husband and wife Roger and Mary Wilson, both 77, attended the ceremony with family members who've served on their minds. Roger Wilson said his brother and parents were in the military, and Mary said her father and brothers served.

The couple recalled bringing their grandson to the ceremony once when the boy was about 10.

"He was just really blown away by it," Mary Wilson said. "I think it was the first time he realized the importance of everything."

In 1892, the Legislature required Wyuka Cemetery to create a special section for the free burial of G.A.R. members — members of the Grand Army of the Republic, a Civil War veterans organization.

Eventually, more than 400 people were buried in the section, with nearly 1,000 Civil War veterans buried throughout the cemetery.

Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon, who was in attendance but not part of the formal ceremony, said of the three Lincoln Memorial Day ceremonies, he was attending the Wyuka Cemetery one because he is a morning person.

Condon said he thought it's always important to show veterans thanks for the services that they've provided throughout the years.

"I think we tend to forget it sometimes. We get caught up on the weekend and forget what the real reason is," Condon said. "Coming out here and doing this is a good way to start the day and refocus on the reason for the holiday."