Cemetery Update Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at Fort Dodge - January 2010
The Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at Fort Dodge held its Annual Memorial Day service on May 25, 2009. Over 150 people were in attendance. Jack Nicholson played the bagpipes during the prelude. The service began with a KC-135 Stratotanker flyover. GySgt Thor Lucas, Sgt James Sanders, Sgt John Seymour, Sgt William Graham, Lt Deborah Lucas and HM2 Juliet Lallement posted the colors, as Dr. Charles Turley sang the National Anthem, accompanied by Patricia Ahern. Rev. Stan Copeland offered the invocation. David Laneer welcomed all those attending. Lt Colonel (Ret) Anthony Lyons was the guest speaker. American Legion Auxiliary placed wreaths at the base of the United States flag. Memorial balloons were released to honor the 59 Kansas who have given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. SSgt (Ret) Scott Dorsey read the names of all those who's final resting place is at our Cemetery this past year. Dodge City VFW gave the 3 Volley Salute, followed by Charles Buechman playing taps. Dr. Charles Turley sang "America the Beautiful" and Jack Nicholson played "Coming Home". David gave the closing remarks and Rev. Stan Copeland gave the benediction. We would like to thank everyone who attended participated in this beautiful Memorial Day service.
In June, 2009, Heidi Goff, Cemetery Manager of the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at WaKeeney, also became the manager of the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at Fort Dodge. She is excited to have the opportunity to serve veterans at both cemeteries. If you would like to speak to her she may be reached at either cemetery or her cell phone at (785) 639-1972.
In September, Heidi traveled to Garden City to attend and speak at the Kansas Funeral Director Association Meeting to share information about veteran's burial benefits.
In December the cemetery held its fourth annual Wreaths Across America ceremony. Wreaths Across America is held annually at 11:00 a.m. on the second Saturday of December. Thank you to American Legion Post 9 of Garden City, especially Commander Donald Nevin, for conducting the ceremony and providing the color guard this year. We would also like to express our appreciation to all those who participated in the ceremony, despite the cold temperatures. AN1C George Kelly, HN2 Juliet Lallement, SSgt (Ret.) Scott Dorsey, MSgt (Ret.) David Anderson and Kenyon Fryman, CAP, placed wreaths in honor of each branch of service, including the Merchant Marines and the POW/MIAs. Mary Sallee and Brad Murray played Echo Taps. Enough donations and wreaths were received for all of those interred within the Kansas Veterans Cemetery at Fort Dodge. Plus, we were able to place over 400 wreaths on veteran's graves in the Old Kansas Soldiers' Home Cemetery. Family members and the American Legion Riders placed the wreaths on all of the graves. Thank you to everyone who gave so generously, as a wonderful tribute to our veterans and their families. The Cemetery looks beautiful with the rich greenery of the wreaths and bright red bows. The wreaths will remain on the graves until the end of January.
Please mark on your calendars our Annual Memorial Day Service, Monday, May 31, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome to attend. The Kansas Veterans; Cemetery at Fort Dodge will be the location for the annual Kansas Elks Association Flag Day Service on Saturday, June 12, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
The Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at Fort Dodge presently has interred 166 veterans and dependents and has 447 pre-certifications.
Our Cemetery staff is dedicated to assisting our Veterans and their families and to continue providing a beautiful Cemetery that honors each of them. For further information about the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at Fort Dodge, or to learn more about pre-certification for interment within the cemetery, schedule a presentation or tour, please contact personnel at (620) 338-8772. Cemetery staff is available for questions, information, or tours Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Summer Hours will be 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Memorial Day to Labor Day.
