Dickinson community unites to honor fallen heroes at Memorial Day Ceremony

Allison Engstrom, The Dickinson Press, N.D.
·3 min read

May 29—DICKINSON — In a powerful display of unity and remembrance, the community of Dickinson gathered at Dickinson State University's Dorthy Stickney Auditorium to honor the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. From heartfelt speeches and soul-stirring performances to a moving tribute to prisoners of war, the Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by the Dickinson Legion Post 3 left no heart untouched.

Families, veterans and friends gathered as Vice Commander Rich Brauhn of the American Legion's Dickinson Legion Post 3 provided the opening remarks for the ceremony outlining the origins of Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day and paid tribute to the 1.1 million men and women who have given their lives for their country, concluding with the advance of colors by the American Legion Honor Guard.

"Today, we here in Dickinson remember those from our community, and over the 1.1 million men and women who have given their lives for their country since 1776, to the last war in Afghanistan," Brauhn said.

Deacon Bob Stockert, a veteran and member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, delivered the invocation to express heartfelt gratitude for veterans and their unwavering dedication to the nation. He also sought blessings of safety and peace for them and their families.

Between speakers, the ladies from the N-Compas Chorus, dressed in red, white and blue, performed a medley of patriotic songs that included the "Star Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America."

Veteran Brian Benesh delivered the Memorial Day address, emphasizing the significance and responsibility of remembering and honoring our fallen veterans.

"If these soldiers and sailors and marines and airmen can make this commitment to us, die at any age to give us our liberties, then we can certainly make a commitment to them. We will remember and we will honor all of them today, tomorrow, forever. We will not forget," Benesh said.

Benesh lives true to his word, dedicating almost every Memorial Day weekend for the past 25 years to placing American flags on the graves of veterans. This heartfelt act has occasionally filled him with sorrow, as he shared in his speech. However, he has ultimately transformed this experience into a day of reverence and admiration.

"I do not mourn and cry. I simply honor and remember. Yes, Memorial Day is still a sacred and solemn day, but for me is no longer painted in the Black Flag picture that it was before. It is a day of reflection and respect and admiration for our heroes who are now at rest..." Benesh said.

During the ceremony, a special presentation was held to pay tribute to prisoners of war and those missing in action. Vice Commander Brauhn highlighted the 50th anniversary of troops withdrawing from Vietnam and a recent event in Washington DC where 10 prisoners of war were honored for their remarkable service and resilience.

Benesh acknowledged the grim realities of war zones, emphasizing the risks of injury, capture, disability, or worse, death. However, the notion of being killed in action or held as a prisoner of war with their body never returning home was beyond comprehension.

"This flag stands for the 81,000 Americans who still remain missing and sadly unaccounted for and what a vicious and ugly turn to be unaccounted for their fates known only to the Lord. This flag is the very very essence of their being. As it says on the bottom, to never be forgotten. They cannot speak. This flag speaks for them and it tells us to honor them, remember them and never forget them," Benesh said.

As the ceremony drew to a poignant conclusion, the atmosphere was filled with reverence as the haunting melody of "Taps" resonated through the air, accompanied by a solemn rifle salute. The Honor Guard of the esteemed American Legion Matthew Brew Post #3 carried out this final tribute, honoring the fallen with utmost respect and dignity.

The resonating notes of "Taps" served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who selflessly served their country. The melody echoed through the hearts of all in attendance, evoking a deep sense of gratitude and remembrance.