SOLON — Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460 held its annual Memorial Day service Monday, May 29 at the Solon Veterans Memorial.
A veteran speaks from the heart
Mike Montgomery, a Vietnam Veteran, gave the Memorial Day address.
“This is a special day, or time, in our lives to come together and remember those who gave so much,” he said. “Freedom (he said quoting President Ronald Reagan) is never more than one generation away from being extinct. And that one generation is standing right here.” Reagan, he noted, pointed out no other country’s national anthem ends with a challenge. “Oh say does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave, o’er the land of the free, and the home of the brave?” Mike said, “Yes it does thanks to the brave men and women who are serving and have served.”
Montgomery reminded the audience, including members of the Solon High School Marching Band and Scout Troop 120, that their freedom has been purchased by the men and women who fell in battle. “This isn’t simply a ‘day off,’ this is a day to remember. These freedoms and rights that you have are not yours to keep. They are yours to use, grow, and pass on to the next generation.” The sacrifice, he said, “is why we are the home of the free and the land of the brave.” Those who join the military swear an oath to protect and defend and protect the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. It is important to remember, he said, “there is no expiration date on that oath.”
Remembering Wayne Croy
This year’s service was dedicated to Solon American Legion member Wayne Croy, who died October 5 of last year at the age of 92. Byson Croy, grandson, memorialized Wayne telling of his service from 1948-1952 with the famed 82nd Airborne Division. After his return to Iowa, he became active in the American Legion and the VA. In 1996 he was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the Department of Veteran Affairs, and in 2006 and 2012 he received an American Legion Stinocher Post 460 Citation of Meritorious Service. In 2011 Wayne received a State of Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award for Outstanding Service. The VA recognized him in 2013 with a Letter of Recognition for Volunteer Services at the VA Medical Clinic’s Department of Compensation and Pension Clinic. A Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Service was received in 2021 and presented by Post 460. “His biggest award,” said Byson, “was his Volunteer Service Certificate he received from the Department of Public Affairs for 2,429 volunteer hours in six years of service.”
He concluded his remarks thanking “all those who have served this country, gave the ultimate sacrifice, and who served as role models to young boys like me.”
Bruce Croy, son of Wayne, placed a wreath in front of the POW/MIA monument.
For more photos from the event, turn to page 12A.
Byson Wayne Croy talks about his grandfather, the late Wayne Croy, during American Legion Stinocher Post 460’s annual Memorial Day service Monday, May 29 at the Solon Veterans Memorial. This years’ service was dedicated to Croy, a veteran of the U.S. Army’s famed 82nd Airborne Division.