American Legion honors war dead

Annual Memorial Day events held in in Healdsburg,
Windsor and Geyserville
by NATHAN WRIGHT, Staff Writer
Memorial Day is a Monday of tradition. For many, it means three
days of barbecues with friends. For others, it’s an excuse to get
away for a family vacation.
For the American Legion, it’s a moment to remember those lost in
military conflict.
One of those moments was held at noon at the Shiloh Cemetery in
Windsor on Monday, May 26, where veterans spoke of the duties and
sacrifices of soldiers, led prayers, participated in a 21 gun
solute and listened as a bugler played taps in honor of those
fallen.
“We’ve been doing the three ceremonies for as long as I can
remember,” said William Cadd. The American Legion Post 111 holds
ceremonies in Windsor, Healdsburg and Geyserville every year.
“This is remembering our people who gave their lives,” said Bob
Redlarczyk, who flies an American flag at his home on every
holiday, but takes it down before dusk so that it will never fly in
darkness. Redlarczyk, a World War II veteran, still remembers why
he joined the navy. “When they said join the Navy and see the
world, I did,” he said.
The speaker at this year’s event was Frank Zak, who delivered a
powerful 10-minute speech both remembering and honoring soldiers
from all of the wars fought by the United States Military.
“Remember them always, for they have earned our admiration and
respect with their blood,” he said. “You are our comrades, and your
nation will never forget you.”
After prayer and speech were finished, seven men raised rifles
and fired three shots in tandem, followed by Lew Sbrana on a nearby
hill playing taps.