Oskaloosa Remembers Those Who Served
Capt. Pamela K. Roark U.S. Navy following her keynote speech at Monday's ceremony at Forest Cemetery
Oskaloosa, Iowa – It was a warm day, but a large group of area residents braved the temps to pay tribute to those who have served.
Before the group headed out to Forest Cemetery, Fred Bridges said that, “as you can see we got a beautiful day, it looks like, after the nice rain.” Bridges was pleased with the turnout for the parade, and as with most in his position, he wondered what the final turnout would be.
Oskaloosa Mayor Dave Krutzfeldt shared some thoughts about the group of individuals gathered for the parade. “First off, I’m really impressed with the turnout we’re having today.”
Krutzfeldt also noted the varying age groups gathered. “I’m seeing some grey hair. I’m seeing some younger folks, so those multiple generations are especially striking to me.”
The parade started quietly from the American Legion and moved along High Ave. No marching band, and only a handful of onlookers to see them quietly proceed. Some walked while others rode on a trailer with their fellow vets. The rest of the parade was followed by the rumble of the newly formed American Legion Riders as they brought up rear.
Upon arriving at Forest Cemetery for the annual tribute, the Oskaloosa Municipal Band welcomed them with each branch’s anthem while they set up for the morning’s service.
The local groups that helped to make it possible were: V.F.W. and Auxiliary of Oskaloosa Post # 2237, American Legion Post #34 along with Sons of the American Legion, Oskaloosa Eagles Aerie 276 and Auxiliary, The Oskaloosa Elks Lodge #340, Knights of Columbus, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Det. 2 3654 Maintenance Company – Iowa National Guard.
The American Flag was raised in honor of Cpl. James M. Robins, U.S. Marine Corps. Robins was the first Mahaska County casualty of the Vietnam War. The flag was raised by M.L. Curry and Paul Eveland.
Andrea Dursky then sang the National Anthem being accompanied by the Oskaloosa City Band, with the Pledge of Allegiance led by local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and the Invocation by Rev. Alvern Boetsma of the Good News Chapel in Oskaloosa.
After the placing of memorial wreaths by the Junior Auxiliaries, Oskaloosa Middle School Assistant Principle Mike Dursky read John A. Logan’s Order for the First Observance of Memorial Day.
Andrea Dursky along with the Oskaloosa Municipal Band performed ‘God Bless America’ before the keynote address by Capt. Pamela K Roark of the U.S. Navy (ret).
Roark is a native to Mt. Pleasant and was commissioned an Ensign in the Navy Nurse Corps in June 1981, with her final post being Medical Inspector General for Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, retiring in July of 2011.
“Looking out over these rows and rows of flags, a dramatic reminder of the number of Oskaloosa heroes who have served their country in both times of peace and in war,” Roark said in honor of those who had served. “The headstones and their flags are a solemn reminder of the cost of freedom. In a world where freedom is constantly under attack, and in a world where security is challenged, the joys of liberty are often purchased by the sacrifices of those who serve a cause greater than themselves.”
Roark recounted a patient (Iraqi civilian) who had just come out of the operating room during the second week of Iraqi Freedom. “He had lost his right arm after being shot mistakenly by American soldiers.”
“I walked back to the ward and introduced myself and asked him how he was doing. He looked me straight in the eye and said in perfect English how much he appreciated the kindness and care he had received since arriving at our hospital. He asked me to sit for awhile as he had a story he wanted to share.”
The civilian told Roark about his time spent in Colorado where he had attended law school, “so that he could go back to his native country to provide his services to pursue a better life for his family.”
The injured civilian talked to Roark about life under Saddam Hussein and about the brother who had supported Saddam and had worked for the dictator. “Who then became repulsed by their actions and was executed for speaking out against him [Hussein].”
“He told me the people who did not understand why it took so long for the biggest power in the world to come to their aid,” then telling Roark about how his “thankful nation celebrated the day when Americans crossed the border to fight for their freedoms and liberty, who were sacrificing their own lives for the lives of Iraqi’s.” Thanking Roark on behalf of his family.
Roark said she was humbled and thought that the gratitude, “should be directed to our brave men and women on the front line, not me who’s behind a huge bunker caring for causalities.”
“I told him how very sorry I was that he was injured by one of our troops. He immediately took my hand and said, ‘Not to be’.
The civilian had been working on gathering information on captured US soldiers, including Jessica Lynch and was sharing his acquired intel with the Army in Nasiriyah. “The night before he had been returning to his home and the sun was quickly setting. Curfew had started. Apparently the soldiers, seeing him out after curfew, were yelling at him to turn around. He did not hear them. When he didn’t turn around, he was shot, with the round hitting him in his upper right arm.”
“He then went on to say the most profound thing I have ever heard. He said, ‘I’d gladly give my other arm, as well, in the name of freedom for my children, so they may live a life free of oppression with hope of freedom and liberty’.”
After the words by Roark, the report of graves registration was read by Joe S. Crookham which included the names of 69 area veterans who had passed away in the previous year. The benediction was followed by TAPS and a 21 gun salute.
With that, the crowd dispersed.
If your interested in helping the Memorial Day Committee, contact one of the local veterans groups. A call for extra help was placed, and the group would greatly appreciate those interested.
For more images from the day visit HERE.
