Memorial Day Ceremonies in Charles City, New Hampton Honor Heroes, Raise Awareness on Military Suicides

Area veterans organizations hosted Memorial Day remembrance programs Monday (05.27), including at the Charles City VFW.

There, Captain Johnathan Thompson with the Field Artillery Office in Charles City recalled the fate of Merle Hay, first Iowan to die in World War I.

Thompson also encouraged honoring the fallen service men and women as our true heroes.

Thompson also asked for prayers as he prepares to deploy in mid-July. 

You can hear the complete Charles City VFW program here:

In New Hampton, American Legion Fae Stine Post 38 hosted Memorial Day ceremonies Monday at the Veterans Memorial in front of the Chickasaw County Courthouse.

Andy Wagner, who served over two decades in the Army, brought attention to the 30,000 service men and women who have committed suicide since 9-11.

Wagner notes that seven people out those potential 18 suicides are likely to be in counseling, but the bigger concern is for all those who are not receiving help.

Wagner himself now tries to help retired and active duty veterans cope with special therapeutic hunting and fishing trips in Northeast Iowa as a member of the Purple Heart Tour.

You can follow the complete ceremony through the American Legion Fae Stine Post 38 Facebook page.