Memorial Day: ‘They rose to the nation’s call’

IOWA CITY - U.S. Army 1st Lt. William Gentzsch said America's soldiers didn't go to war because they loved fighting.

'They were called to be part of something bigger than themselves,” he said during a Memorial Day service held Monday at Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City. 'They were ordinary people who responded in extraordinary ways in extreme times.

'They rose to the nation's call because they wanted to protect the nation that had given them, us, so much.”

About 100 people gathered for the service, for which Gentzsch served as master of ceremonies.

'Memorial Day is a day of remembrance. A day that we honor soldiers, Marines, sailors, airmen, veterans, family members and the community can gather and honor the life in memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” Gentzsch said.

Among those in attendance was George Dane, 95, who sat surrounded by his family, friends and other service members. A veteran of World War II, Dane was overwhelmed with emotion as he remembered those who made the ultimate sacrifice during war.

For many years, Dane helped organize Iowa City's Memorial Day service. His son, Robert Dane, president of the Johnson County Military Affairs Association, now helps head the event that is organized in conjunction with the Grand Army of the Republic, American Legion Post 17 and Auxiliary and Iowa City Parks and Recreation.

The day also included a ceremony at Park Road Bridge to commemorate soldiers and sailors lost at sea, during which flowers and a wreath were thrown into the Iowa River, and a service at Memory Gardens Cemetery.

George Dane, a retired Army colonel who served from 1942 to 1976, shook the hands of a parade of children who approached him following the service at Oakland Cemetery. He showed them his decorated uniform that includes a badge from the 69th infantry division in which he served as a first lieutenant ahead of his deployment overseas where he served through the Battle of the Bulge, the last major German offensive campaign of World War II.

The meet and greet followed his son's reading of the Gettysburg Address and remarks on the importance of the day and the impact of losing a loved one who served.

'The pain and sorrow is real and long lasting,” Robert Dane said.

Monday's ceremony also included a wreath presentation, rifle salute and a performance of the national anthem and taps by Stephen Swanson and Nathan Stucky, respectively.

The entire day was about remembering and honoring those who served and died in service to the United States, something summed up during the ceremony at Park Road Bridge by Christina Gentzsch, William's wife.

'Remember those who have lived, and died, fighting to protect the freedom and dignity of mankind,” she said in her benediction. 'Let us be true masters of brotherly love and guide us in the way of moral responsibility, ethics and justice.”

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