BUCKEYE – There were dozens of Memorial Day celebrations across Iowa on Monday, but few could match the personal touch done in Hardin County, where the local VFW paid tribute in a unique way to its community’s former service members.
No one tells these military veterans to do this.
“I’ve done it every year, except for two,” said Robert Bahr, a retired Army veteran. “One time I was in the hospital.”
“We’re going to keep it up as long as we can,” said Gordon Kolterman, the mayor of Buckeye and former member of the Navy.
This salute to their fallen comrades is reason enough. At each small cemetery families watch, while the names are read, guns saluted, and fallen veterans are given another grand musical tribute.
“I came home from Vietnam and there was no praise or anything,” said Kolterman.
“It was almost like the servicemen were looked down upon,” said Jim Thoms, a retired member of the Air Force.
Reflecting on these moments—these memories of their peers— carries some extra significance.
“I was stationed at REF Lake in the United Kingdom when the Tripoli attack went on, and two
of the pilots, the aircrew I knew really well were killed in that conflict,” said Thoms.
These veterans travel across Hardin County, visiting each cemetery, and performing the ceremony at each one, with the largest ceremony taking place at the Buckeye Cemetery, where hundreds come to pay their respects.
“Really the rewarding thing is the amount of people that turn out.,” said Kolterman.
And the commitment from these dedicated veterans is also spreading to the next generation.
“I just think it’s an honor doing it, and every year I get to know the veterans more, and it’s
just a great way to honor the veterans who died for our country,” said Tyler Kendall, a sophomore at South Hardin High School.
“We’re proud to serve and proud to do our part,” said Kolterman.
The tradition has been happening for more than 50 years now, and VFW members say they have no plans on stopping any time soon.
