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Mt. Pulaski holds Memorial Day
Service
[May 28, 2026]
Monday morning was an exquisite
morning for community members to gather at Mt. Pulaski Cemetery to
remember fallen service members. Citizens gathered on their golf
carts, in lawn chairs, some sat on the ground, and some stood near
the veteran’s memorial.
Mayor Matt Bobell welcomed everyone
and introduced U.S. Navy Petty Officer Ben Butler for the
invocation. Following the invocation, the flag was at half-staff,
then raised for the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem.
Next, representatives from civic organizations, including the City
of Mt. Pulaski, Phoenix Fire Department, Mt. Pulaski E.M.S.,
American Legion Post 447, Sons of the American Legion Post 447, and
the American Legion Auxiliary, laid wreaths on the memorial.
Children were invited to place flowers and received a gift
certificate from Davis Dairy Bar.
Next, Mayor Bobell introduced Liam
Doherty as the essay contest winner for “What Memorial Day Means to
Me.” Doherty spoke of things left behind by veterans that remind us
of them. He grew up surrounded by veterans on both sides of his
family, and he remembers them sharing stories. As he grew up, he
began to understand the weight that those memories might carry. He
believes that sometimes, as a people, we forget the sacrifices those
who serve make, and that we get caught up in the stories of battles
and wars. He reminded us of the individual impact each soldier has
in protecting our freedoms. While he asks us to remember veterans
who have died, he also believes we can learn from the veterans who
are still with us.
Following Doherty’s speech, he was
awarded $100 for his essay. The essay contest is sponsored by the
Sons of the American Legion. After he received his award, Mayor
Bobell introduced Phyliss Beccue to present the Legion Scholarship
winner. Beccue first thanked everyone who took the time to place
flags around the community and the signs at the field of honor. The
Legion Scholarship was then awarded to Eric Cooper, son of Scott and
Tanya Cooper.
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Both of Cooper’s grandfathers
are veterans. He will be attending college, focusing on Ag
management and athletics. In high school, Cooper was involved in
basketball, baseball, cross country, FFA, Spanish club, National
Honor Society, and other ag clubs. He also received notice that
he had been awarded a state-level Legion scholarship.
After Cooper accepted his award,
the program continued as Mayor Bobell introduced the keynote
speaker, Brandon Huff, who served in the U.S. Army as an E4
Specialist. He served in the 548th Combat Sustainment, 10th Mountain
Division, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. In his speech, Huff urged
citizens to take a moment out of their day to honor the fallen and
remember their sacrifice. He recalled one of his mentors, Emanuel
Stevens, who helped him grow as a soldier. Huff took a moment to
share his story and honor his memory.
To conclude the morning's events,
once Huff wrapped his speech, the Boy Scouts held a flag retirement
ceremony, and Petty Officer Butler offered the benediction. The
American Legion and Sons of the American Legion then gave a salute
to fallen comrades.
Mt. Pulaski Memorial Day Service photo slideshow
2026
Mt. Pulaski Cemetery Memorial Day Service 3-shot volley and Taps
video
[Joli Boerma Crane]
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