News : \'They all did their duty:\' Memorial Day services includes Iwo Jima tribute

Megan and Jackson Walthart sit near the brick honoring their great-grandpa, Jack Siegel.

Memorial Day: Veterans and others braved the rain to honor those who died serving the U.S.

Despite earlier rain, it was mostly sunny when veterans led the Memorial Day service at the park.

During the first Memorial Day ceremony since the installation of the Iwo Jima silhouette at Veterans Park, the audience heard a history lesson about the famous battle of 1945, and the flag raising that inspired one of the iconic photos of World War II.

Vinton-Shellsburg Middle School History Teacher Alex Vasquez shared some of the history of the war, telling the audience how the Japanese converted an island full of sulfur mines into a network of tunnels and fortified caves, hoping to cause such severe casualties that the U.S. would abandon its attempt to take the island.

While the U.S. eventually took the island and converted it into an airfield for bombers returning from missions over the Japanese mainland, winning the battle resulted in more U.S. casualties than Japanese casualties.

Vasquez also discussed briefly the most recent review of the history of the photograph of the flag raising. He said that recent evidence has caused the U.S. Marines to review exactly which Marines raised the flag.

Yet, said Vasquez, quoting a Marine leader, "All of the men were on that island; they all did their duty." The Marines, while trying to accurately tell the history of the flag raising, reminds Americans of the thousands who died and thousands more who were wounded on that island 71 years ago.

The ceremony at the park included a tribute to Gold Star families, and wreaths placed at the Korea and Iwo Jima monuments. Pastor Matt Hantz prayed for the families who have lost someone in war, as well as those who have loved ones currently serving. He also offered a prayer for peace and wisdom for government rulers who have control over the use of military might.

Before the traditional 11 a.m. ceremony at the park, veterans offered tributes at area cemeteries. In Vinton, they heard prayers and fired salutes at Maplewood, St. Mary's and Evergreen Cemetery. At Bear Creek Cemetery in Brandon, scores of people braved a heavy rain, seeking shelter under umbrellas while the tributes took place.

A bit of rain fell at 10 a.m. as the March to the Bridge began, but the veterans and Auxiliary members, accompanied by the VSHS Marching Band, continued to the bridge and the rain subsided as the parade ended.

Siegel family sees memory brick for first time

Another new, small addition to the park is the memorial brick in honor of former Vinton Mayor and Army Captain Jack N. Siegel, who served in World War II before moving to Vinton and running Cafe 218 with his wife, Maxine, for many years. His family, including his great-grandchildren Jackson and Megan Walthart, gathered for photos around the brick at the end of the ceremony. Long time Legiona and Auxiliary members, Jack and Maxine were involved in the Vinton Country Club and other organizations. Jack served as Mayor of Vinton from 1970 to 1974.

The brick honoring Jack is near the short wall that contains the row of flag poles, not far from where the speakers stood behind the podium to honor Jack and all those who served their country. Many area veterans are honored with bricks in this area of Veterans Park, which was built after the flood of 2008.

See more photos HERE.