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MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES, 1976

    Memorial Day services commemorating our country's 200th anniversary were held on May 31, 1976 at Lowden Memorial Park. The Cub Scouts and Webelos led the Pledge of Allegiance with the audience participating and the National anthem was played by the school band. The Rev. Earl Elowsky gave the invocation and a very fitting address for this service.

     William Lingle, commander of the American Legion; Dennis Ruggeberg, commander of the Amvets Post; Mrs Wm Deerberg, American Legion Auxiliary president; and Mrs W. R. Mensing, Amvets Auxiliary president presented floral wreaths as a tribute to deceased veterans at the base of a white cross topped with a helmet.

     Everett Kruckenberg gave the roll call of deceased veterans. As he called the names of 2 veterans of War of 1812; 25 veterans of the Civil War; 44 veterans of World War II; 5 veterans of the Korean conflict; and 3 of the Viet Nam Conflict, the committee in charge, along with the Cub Scouts, placed a small white cross for each veteran in an area bordered by yellow braided rope representing a miniature burial plot.

     Following this, the firing squad of the American Legion and Amvets presented the memorial salute. This very impressive service closed with the sounding of “Taps” by Robin Atkins and Mark Jensen.

Picture of Memorial Day - 1976
    Pictured above, left to right: Dennis Ruggeberg; Mrs W. R. (Emily) Mensing; Mrs William (Arlene) Deerberg; and William Lingle.

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     Lowden's celebration festivities in observance of our nation's bicentennial were held August 6 and 7, 1976. Highlights were parades, ball games, chicken barbecue, historical program, sky divers, dance, etc. The Lowden Memorial Park Board and Lowden Bicentennial Commission planned the events.