QUINCY — Area residents crowded around the new stage in Quincy Township’s Lakeside Cemetery Monday to honor those who served and died serving in the military.
Mark Roberts, who served 13 years in the Army National Guard, addressed the crowd, many of whom had walked from the American Legion Post 157 on E. Chicago Street in the annual parade.
Roberts gave special thanks to Gold Star families who lost members to war.
“We must not only remember their sacrifice, but live worthy of it. Let us be a nation that stands united, cares for its veterans, and that never forgets the cost of liberty,” he said.
The businessman mentioned Clark Walker, a Bronson championship wrestler who won the Silver Star in Vietnam.
Roberts pointed out that Walker bravely answered his country’s call and joined the United States Army shortly after an undefeated season, when he won the 154-pound Class “B” State Wrestling Championship.
Walker lost his life on January 24, 1967, in service to his country, wounded, calling in rescue medical helicopters to save others in his unit, pinpointing the enemy’s position for artillery until they retreated.
American Legion Post 157 sponsored the event and parade. Motorcycle riders from the post joined in the parade with the Quincy Band, which played during the cemetery ceremonies.
Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Memorial Day 2025: Vietnam hero remembered in Quincy
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
