CAPE, JACKSON OBSERVE HOLIDAY; MORE THAN 500 PEOPLE ATTEND RITES IN AREA

Betty Hoffmeister and Alene Proctor of Jackson have always attended Memorial Day services.

Respect for the nation's flag, soldiers killed in the line of duty and their husbands, both World War II veterans, had been their motivation over the past 50 years.

Monday was more of the same for the friends, although both were widowed last year.

Outfitted in patriotic colors, both were present for the Memorial Day service held at the old Jackson city cemetery.

Following the service, the two joined others placing flags and other decorations on graves at the cemetery.

"It was a good feeling to know he was coming home," said Proctor, who had been married to her husband, Elmer, just four days before he was shipped out with other Marines to the Philippines. "He never talked about the friends he lost in the war."

Hoffmeister and Proctor said people appear to have forgotten the importance of Memorial Day. They were unsure whether the change is from lack of teaching or lack of a conflict approaching the scale of the world wars or Korean or Vietnam wars.

"I have a young grandson, and he knows his grandfather was in the Army and how he felt about his service," said Hoffmeister, who married her husband, Oscar, when he returned home after serving two years in the Philippines. "I just hope he will remember his grandfather's teachings."

More than 500 Cape Girardeau and Jackson residents attended special services held to honor fallen soldiers and all American veterans Monday. Municipal bands in both towns provided music for the services, which were attended mainly by military veterans and their families.

The Rev. John Rice of New McKendree United Methodist Church was the guest speaker at the service sponsored by the American Legion Post 158 in Jackson. Rice reminisced of participating in Memorial Day parades through the center of town as a Cub Scout during the 1950s.

Young boys found immense pride in being selected flag bearer for the day and marching alongside veterans who had fought to preserve the nation's honor, he said. That pride was in knowing men who worked daily in ordinary jobs had participated in extraordinary events.

"We have not so much defended a nation but the principles that have defined this great country," Rice said. "Of these things, we do not speak of land, riches and titles, but of decency and a desire to assist others."

In Cape Girardeau, some 300 people attended a program conducted by the Cape Girardeau Joint Veterans Council.

Lieutenant Commander Mervin Dial, new commander of the Naval Reserve Center, was the guest speaker for the event.

Dial spoke of how more recognition is needed for the nation's heroes.

Memorial Day is more than a picnic, a day off, or a three-day weekend, he said.

"It is true what they say, that all gave some, but some gave all," Dial said. "I find it ironic that some people call today and today only Memorial Day. Every day should be Memorial Day to recognize those who gave all they had in service to their country."