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Photo Gallery: Kirkwood Salutes Service, Remembers Sacrifice

A Memorial Day service hosted by American Legion Post 156 in Kirkwood drew attendees of all ages and touched the hearts of veterans.

By Owen Skoler
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May 30, 2011

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Paying Respect

Members of the American Legion Post 156 in Kirkwood salute the flag during the presentation of colors. Hundreds attended the Memorial Day service hosted by the post. Veterans said they were touched by the outpouring of attendees and support of the city.

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Members of the American Legion Post 156 in Kirkwood salute the flag during the presentation of colors. Hundreds attended the Memorial Day service hosted by the post. Veterans said they were touched by the outpouring of attendees and support of the city.

Credit Owen Skoler

Boy Scouts from Troop 323 chartered by St. Peter Parish in Kirkwood present the colors. The Memorial Day service provided the perfect opportunity for scout master Steve Roseman to teach troop members what he sees as the two most important lessons of being a scout: To learn how to serve other people and to learn to appreciate their country and the sacrifices that have been made for it.

Credit Owen Skoler

Bill Burckhalter, commander of Post 156 speaks to attendees. He noted that Memorial Day is often remembered for sales. "How can we keep the memory of this day from fading?" he asked audience members. Attending a service, visiting a memorial, flying a flag at half mast or renewing a pledge to widows of fallen service members were some of Burckhalter's suggestions.

Credit Owen Skoler

Kirkwood Mayor and U.S. Coast Guard veteran Art McDonnell talks with an attendee of the Memorial Day ceremony. "It was a pleasure to shake the hands of veterans of the Korean War, Vietnam War and other conflicts. We are grateful to all of them," McDonnel said in his speech to attendees. The Mayor also expressed his gratitude to those presently serving overseas. He noted that there is a cost of entering any conflict and the importance of paying respect to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Credit Owen Skoler

Mark Alan Troutt, Senior (left) and Harry Hope (right), of Post 156, salute the flag as the colors are presented. Hope, a Korean War veteran, said he appreciated the outpouring of attendees, especially younger ones. "I think it's great that teenagers are taking an interest," he said. He also noted he was pleased to see many civilians from the Vietnam era in attendance.

Credit Owen Skoler

Bob Catlett, seargant with the Glendale Police Department sang the national anthem. Burckhatter said he was touched by the support of city departments, officials and local businesses. The commander of post 156 noted that the Parks Department donated the PA system for the event and also newly opened Great Harvest Bread Company catered the event for free and the

Credit Owen Skoler

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Hundreds of residents filled Memorial Walkway Monday morning in a profund display of thanks to military members past and present.

They turned out at 10 a.m. for a Memorial Day service hosted by the Kirkwood American Legion Post 156, a yearly city tradition. Attendees spanned generations, from veterans of WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam dressed in decorated uniforms to Boy Scouts from Troop 323 chartered by St. Peter Parish in Kirkwood who presented the colors.

Speakers included Kirkwood Mayor and U.S. Coast Guard veteran Art McDonnell, Missouri State Senator Eric Schmitt and Bill Burckhalter, commander of Post 156.

Related Topics: Memorial Day and city of kirkwood

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