Kris Miller
Hiawatha World
Christmas wreathes were placed at both veteran memorials at Hiawatha Cemetery and Mount Hope Cemetery to honor those who served in the United States military.
American Legion Homer White Post 66 Chaplain Jim Parker remarked that Legion member Sam Schuetz and Hiawatha resident Jay Brock have been practicing the tradition of placing wreathes at the cemeteries’ memorials for years.
“I think it’s pretty honorable that these guys do this and Christmas is such a family thing,” Parker said. “It’s time to reflect on that as far as I’m concerned.”
in front of the tall flagpole overlooking the site.
He said that veterans place wreathes every year at Hiawatha’s two memorials to honor veterans buried, as all of them missed Christmas season at home. Parker included that he and his fellow Post 66 members Schuetz, Steve Winter, Steve James, Jim Patton and other veterans ensure that the cemeteries are taken care of to honor the fallen from all wars and eras.
Parker also detailed about the tradition of setting up an empty chair for veterans who were not able to join for Christmas.
“We set up three glasses and we always have an empty chair for the veterans in our family,” Parker explained. “No matter what we were doing, we always get together. We’re teaching our kids that.”
Parker also stated that people who serve in the military and those who are in first responder positions don’t always get Christmas off, but Christmastime is still something to cherish. On that subject of serving in the military, Schuetz said, “I think just about anyone who’s served has missed Christmas.”
Parker added, “We don’t always get Christmas but when we do get together, it’s Christmas. It shouldn’t be said. It should be joyous. I hope it goes on forever.”
