Village’s veterans receive a noteworthy honor

The 84th commemoration of Memorial Day led by the Warren Kane American Legion Post 410 on Monday was more than a service to honor fallen heroes in the name of freedom.

The village received its own song, courtesy of keynote speaker Jim Salamone, who was the Ozaukee High School band director from 1980 to 2009.

“It is my honor to be here today. This is what makes Fredonia and America great,” Salamone told the large crowd that  gathered on a mild day.

“It is not by chance that we have Memorial Day. God’s Bible instructs nations to have memorials.”

Salamone provided a history of the “Star Spangled Banner,” which he said is a British melody written during the War of 1812, and background on how taps was first called “Butterfield’s Lullaby” when it was arranged in 1862 and instantly accepted by the North and South armies.

“Our forefathers left us a great inheritance of music and history,” Salamone said.

He provided some advice to his fellow countrymen.

“We the people should recognize this responsibility as citizen warriors and preserve the blessings that so many have sacrificed for. We the people must seek to prevent wars but if not possible to act decisively to win,” he said.

“Yes, voting is very important but there is more to do. We need clear vision to know good from evil. We need to be an alert and informed nation of citizen warriors ready to defend our land.”

Salamone presented an original song he wrote called “The Fredonia Bugle Call, American Warriors are Best.” He first played the song on his bugle, then read the lyrics:

American warriors are best, a cut above the rest, for sure we pass the test. We never, never, never guess

American warriors are bright. We know just how to fight. We always know what’s right. American warrior have might.

American warriors are great, above on top, first rate, on time, we’re never late to fight on to win a good fate.

American warrior are brave, the land of USA, this country we will save for people yet unborn, we gave.

American warriors have won the wars to which we come, these wars cannot run from, we pray someday soon that they’re done.

American warriors are best, the best of all the rest. We live to make the quest. American warriors are best.

Joe Schneider of the Legion Post announced that 216 flags were placed on veterans’ graves at six area cemeteries this year, and he recognized three World War II veterans who are Post members.

Air Force Sgt. Ken Hypki, 96, served in England, Scotland and France from 1943 to 1945 and received replacement B-17 and B-24 bombers.

Norman Jagow, 97, served in the 137th combat infantry regiment, was captured near Dusseldorf, Germany, and was a prisoner of war before later being liberated.

Virgil Weinreich, 95, served as a truck driver delivering temperamental cargo in the Philippines and Japan from 1945 to 1947.

It was announced that the annual Flag Day ceremony will be held June 12 in Waubeka.