Seery, Frank died 1918

SEERY

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 11/3/2021 at 11:49:35

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 31 Jan. 1918. Monona column.

On Saturday morning, January 26th, 1918, the mortal remains of Frank Seery were laid beside his father, whose demise occurred one year ago. Since that time the son enlisted in the Aviation corps, was assigned to duty on Kelly Field, San Antonio, Texas. While engaged in experimental flights his airship and that of another aviator met in mid air. The tail and one wing of his plane were broken. In the fall of 200 feet his engine struck him crushing and killing him before he reached earth. The injuries received by the other aviator proved fatal. The flag draped casket containing the remains of the brave young aviator, for he was only 23 years of age, arrived Saturday morning. Two patrols of boy scouts, in full uniform, acted as military escort from the station. The funeral cortege formed at Schultz's undertaking rooms led by the Women's Relief Corps, the Boy Scouts acting as pall bearers and body guards and the G.A.R. bringing up the rear. The long march to the Catholic church, through drifted roads and facing the stinging northeast wind was somewhat of an ordeal for many in the long cortege, but none wavered, we were glad to honor one who had given his last full measure of devotion. The crowded audience room on so stormy a day was strong evidence of the patriotic fervor of the people. Father McNamara, assisted by twelve alter boys, celebrated High Mass. The choir sang sweetly and solemnly "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere," "Nearer my God to Thee," and at the close of the service, "America."

Father McNamara's splendid sermon was delivered from the text, "Render unto Ceasar the things that are Ceasar's and unto God the thing's that are God's." Frank Seery is survived by his mother and one sister who were present at his funeral. His name is the first to be inscribed on Monona's roll of honored dead. He responded promptly to the call for volenteers to defend the sanctity of freedom and liberty in America and in the whole world. He offered his young life that future homes may be organized and safeguarded, that the world may follow in safety their daily avocations. We are keenly alert to the supreme sacrifice of our youthful martyrs and having given Frank Seery a burial with full military honor we may rest assured that there is written on the hearts of the townspeople and his countrymen the epitaph, "He died for us."