Major Jay Morsching gives the tribute address during

                                          Memorial  Day service at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Elysian.

Elysian remembers those who served

May 28, 2007

11:30 a.m. CDT

As communities across the country observed a day of remembrance, Elysian families and tourists gathered at Cedar Hill Cemetery for Memorial Day service.

Maj. Jay Morsching was the featured program speaker, at the invitation of American Legion Post 311.

Originally from the Elysian area, Morsching now serves at Camp Ripley. He spoke about the Warrior Ethos, also known as the U.S. Soldier's Creed. These are the principles by which every soldier lives and they appear on military identification or "dog tags" worn by those serving in the armed forces:

U.S. Soldier's Creed

I will always place the mission first.  I will never accept defeat.

I will never quit.  I will never leave a fallen comrade.

Morsching explained that America now has "a new generation of fallen heroes" to remember on Memorial Day, because of war in Iraq and Afghanistan. His speech also paid tribute to veterans and those on active duty.

"For those who do return home, never quit on them because they never quit on our country," said Morsching. "They accepted the mission of protecting the freedoms we all enjoy."

The major concluded by assigning a "meaningful task" to those gathered on cemetery hill.

"Your task is to attend a Memorial Day service next year and bring a friend," he said. "When we gather together as we have today, the true meaning of Memorial Day is honored."

     Elysian's youth lay flowers in memory        Maj. Morsching         American Legion Post 311 Auxiliary

      of those who have served our country.        salutes the flag.         and color guard. (photos by K. Burns)

Slide show:  Cedar Hill service