Memorial Day Event

[DannyJoe]

Re: Memorial Day Event

I marched in the Memorial Day Parade in Oshkosh, Wisconsin with some of my friends from the 2nd Wisconsin and SUV Old Abe Camp 8. It was Americana at its best. The parade route was lined by several thousand spectators who showed their appreciation by saluting the flag and holding their hand over their heart as the colors passed. I saw one old veteran struggle to his feet to pay his respects. I will never forget that image of the old, but proud warrior. The crowd showed their appreciation for the marchers by applauding and shouting encouragement as we passed. The parade ended at Riverside Cemetery and I gave the keynote speech, by the new Veterans section, to the assembled crowd that included several veterans organizations. There was a prayer...a laying of a wreath...a volley fired by the Marine Corps League Honor Guard....and then taps. My pards, friends and families then went to the GAR section and had a picnic under large oaks. It was a solemn, but a proud day to be with such Americans....past and present.
On June 9th, we are going to march in America's largest Flag Day Parade in Appleton, Wisconsin....my hometown. The parade will be led by the University of Wisconsin band. It should be an outstanding day to be an American and pay our respects to the Flag.

Regards,

[Jim Moffet]

Re: Memorial Day Event

Co. A of the First Minnesota always goes to a cemetery on Decoration Day. This year we formed a small (20 man?) color company, and had 3 drums and 2 fifers. We marched into Minneapolis' Soldier & Pioneer Cemetery - there are 160 Union and 1 Confederate veteran there. As we marched in, for something different, the drums were muffled and the fifes played Dirge #3 from Bruce & Emmett's. We attended the ceremony, fired the usual 3 volleys, and listened to taps.

Before the ceremony, we had placed flags on the graves of the 1st & 2nd Minnesota vets. These flags are miniature versions of the brigade commander flags in the late war system - a white trefoil on a blue pennant for the 1st Regt, and a 3rd brigade, 3rd Division Fourteenth Corps for the 2nd Regt. After the ceremony we talked to the visitors there, and then some of us talked about who these guys were and what they did.

We do this every year - it's a great way to re-connect with specific men who we attempt to portray at other events during the year.

Jim Moffet