Sen. Ernst keynoting Memorial Day here
Red Oak’s Annual Memorial Day ceremony is scheduled for Monday, May 29.
The event begins with a concert by the Red Oak High School Band at 10:45 a.m. at the Evergreen Cemetery. Following the concert, at 11 a.m., will be the posting of colors and the national anthem.
The introduction will be provided by Montgomery County Veterans Court of Honor chairman Clint Rubey. Following the introduction, Court of Honor member Jerry Hansen will dedicate the flags, and wreaths will be placed by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary.
This year’s guest speaker is U.S. Senator and Iowa Army National Guard veteran Joni Ernst.
Ernst, who lives in Red Oak with husband, Gail, and daughter, Libby, has dedicated her life to Iowa and her country, having served in the military for over 23 years and now in the United States Senate.
Ernst earned her undergraduate degree from Iowa State University where she joined the university’s ROTC program. After graduating, Ernst joined the U.S. Army Reserves. In 2003, Ernst served as a company commander in Kuwait and Iraq, leading 150 Iowa Army National Guardsmen during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Ernst retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard after 23 years of military service.
Ernst served as Montgomery County auditor, and in November 2014, Ernst was elected as the first woman to serve in federal elected office from the State of Iowa and also became the first female combat veteran elected to serve in the United States Senate. In Washington, Ernst serves on four Senate committees of major importance to Iowans: Armed Services; Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; Environment and Public Works; and Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
Ernst is focused on growing a vibrant economy and ensuring the government runs effectively and efficiently which means cutting out-of-control spending, reducing taxes, eliminating harmful regulations and balancing the budget.
Leading up to the ceremony, Rubey said volunteer help is needed to put up flags.
“Weather permitting we will fly all 1400 plus veterans burial flags that have been entrusted to us for safe keeping by veterans families. We will as usual need the help of all community volunteers to get those proud flags flying. It is a glorious site to see. We will start putting them up at 6:30 a.m. Monday. We will meet the public at the Evergreen cemetery service house on 8th street. We will divide the volunteers into three groups,” Rubey said.
In the event of rain, the ceremony will be held at Red Oak High School.