MEMORIAL DAY MESSAGE FROM AMERICAN LEGION POST 247
As we prepare to observe two events this weekend, perhaps it is appropriate to consider how the two are connected in our town. After the Civil War ended on April 9, 1865, the former soldiers and their families steadily moved west, helped in part by the Homestead Act of 1862 which enabled settlers to live on 160 acres for the next 5 years, improve it by building a 12-by-14 foot dwelling and growing crops. After 5 years, the homesteader could file for his deed of title by submitting proof of residency and the required improvements to the local land office. Union soldiers could deduct the time they served from the residency requirements.
David McCaig who established the first post office in 1868 in a log cabin and is credited with naming Elmwood, as well as his brothers were all Civil War veterans. Of the 16 men who originally platted Elmwood, many were Civil War veterans.
Many other veteran settlers came as merchants, doctors, blacksmiths, carpenters, and such. They settled here and helped the town grow. Many stayed, some moved back east as the rigors of life on the plains was maybe more than they expected, and some moved further West seeking yet another frontier.
As we celebrate the 125 years of Elmwood on Saturday, it’s hard not to think about these men and their families and their struggles. Then as we remember them and all veterans who are laid to rest in our cemetery on Monday, we reflect again on what each has done to contribute not only to our community, but to our nation. Within our cemetery lies almost 200 veterans - 47 Civil War Veterans (including one Confederate), 4 Spanish-American War veterans, 48 World War I, more than 70 World War II veterans, 11 Korean Veterans, and 7 Viet Nam veterans. Several served during both World War II and Korea. Some were cavalrymen, infantrymen, pilots, sailors, marines, soldiers, nurses, as many different job titles as there are names on the list. Some died in combat. Some died in service to their country. Some died as a result of the service to their country. Some were never returned to their families – they are buried at sea or in another nation. Many veterans did return and continued life a far different person then when they had left. But they returned to Elmwood, our town, to raise their families, to watch their children and grandchildren grow. They had seen every corner of the world. They had seen many unspeakable things. But they were all there because of something they believed in – the United States of America.
On Monday at 9:20 we will gather at the G.A.R. Hall to march to the cemetery as the Civil War veterans did so many years ago. And we will do it for the very same reason they did it. We will join those already gathered near the G.A.R. Monument for a brief ceremony at 10 a.m. to remember again those who came “home” to Elmwood forever. To lie in peace on a beautiful hill. We will listen as General Logan’s Order is read: “The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet church-yard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.” This is our way – this has been our tradition in Elmwood – this is how we “remember again.”
As you look out over the cemetery you will see the flags – almost 200 grave flags in addition to the 39 United States flags and 5 service flags and POW/MIA flag – flying at half staff - yes they are beautiful but the real beauty is in what they represent – pride. Pride in the freedoms that we enjoy today – pride in all the veterans laid to rest in our cemetery representing all the conflicts this nation has seen – pride in all our veterans and current military members. Pride in the fact that our country is the greatest country in the world. For God and Country - God Bless America.
Civil War Veterans at the G.A.R. Monument 1903
Deb Lenz shows off some of the jewelry by Jenn Koutecky that is for sale at her store.
Deb has a great display of Sugar Shack Candles, too.
Deb has a supply of cards, too.
The 4th Street Market is just getting started!
Deb's front door is very inviting.
The Heartland Flooring Center in Elmwood is located on the main drag. Sherryl Vogt bought the business 5 years ago from Mike & Chris DiPaolo. Prior to buying the business she had worked for them for 15 years. Heartland Flooring Center sells all types of flooring: carpet, tile, vinyl, laminate, and wood & cork. They also have remnants available. Sherryl has been remodeling and revamping the store so it is easy to see her samples.
Sherryl is planning a big sale for the Elmwood 125th Birthday Celebration this Saturday. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. and the prices are slashed! Come in, shop, and pick your new flooring. They will measure and figure out how much you will need and payment will be due upon receipt of invoice. Sherryl can arrange for Mike DiPaolo to be the installer.
Saturday shoppers may register to win 5x8 area rug.
Normal business hours for the Heartland Flooring Center are Tuesday through Friday 9:30 – 6:00 or call to set up an appointment. 402-994-2444
The Heartland Flooring Center in under going a transformation!
The south side of Bits And Pieces has been gutted and will be totally remodeling. The roof is gone now!
You can see straight through to the back door!
Won't you be my good neighbor?
Good Neighbor Award Do you know someone who is always willing to go out of their way to help others? If so, please consider nominating them for the annual Good Neighbor Award. This award recognizes individuals who help make the Elmwood Murdock community a better place in which to live. Who is your "good neighbor"? Consider nominating them today by downloading a nomination form at www.elmur.org. The nominees must not have already been a past winner of the Good Neighbor Award. The deadline for submitting nominations is June 15th.
Previous nominees include:
2005
Oral Kuehn
Kurk Shrader
Bits & Pieces Clerks
Ken and Chris Kunz
2006
Lou Allgayer
Joann Hill
Roger Bornemeier
Carol Hoffman
Darlene Romick
Bonnie Brewer
Sylvia Stubbendeck
Judy Cline
2007
Duane Blair
Cindy Hovorka
Karey Koehn
Patty Wolcott
2008
Arlo Fleischman
Lucille Laughlin
Frances Pratt
2009
Ed Blunt
Mike Krass
Norman Brockhoff
Kathy Goudie
Angie Friesell
2010
Jim Wolcott
Fred Wilson
Linda Blunt
Susan Ernest
Marie Gregoire
Kalee and Draven
Teri Bowman is the area's newest Pampered Chef consultant. She did a party at my house last weekend. She cooked chicken in the microwave and made a pizza on the Pampered Chef Stone. It was delicious!
We all learned something and shared some ideas with each other. And ate, and laughed..and ate some more.
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Buckle Up...It's time for Garage Sales!!
Garage Sale Day Register your garage sale and "put it on the map"! Garage Sale Day will be held on Saturday, June 11th this year. Download a form at www.elmur.org and bring it...with the $5 fee...to Bit's-N-Pieces ...before the June 4th deadline.
Do you have something to Advertise? Try the Elmwood Murdock Merchants Association Newsletter!
Just in time for July 4th! The "EMMA" - Elmwood-Murdock Merchants' Association - newsletter will be delivered to over 900 mailboxes in Alvo, Elmwood and Murdock. The deadline for submitting news items and ad orders is Wednesday, June 15. You'll find more details on the order form at http://elmur.org/.
LITTER PATROL!!! Laura and Jessie lead the pack with trash. Thanks, kids! It looks great now!
NOTICE
The Village of Elmwood will be holding a "Clean Up Day" on June 18th, 2011 from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. This service will be provided for residents living in Elmwood.
Please do not bring liquids, chemicals, paints, computer parts, tires, or yard waste.
We will accept batteries of all types.
Village of Elmwood- Board of Trustees
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COUNTRY PRIDE!! COUNTY WIDE!!!!
Cass County Fair 2011 - Schedule is published! Click here to see it!
August 9th - 13th, 2011
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Dean and Judy like to share their flowers with visitors. A photography club from Lincoln was out on Sunday.
8th Graders Movin' on Up to High School! Class of 2015
Jessie Spaulding receives her 8th Grade Diploma from Mr. Cover.
Tate Monighan is proud as can be.
Mr. Allemang, Junior/Senior High principal, offered words of advice to the kids. I could hear their eyes rolling!
Jerry and Adrienne's little girl says, "Hi!"
Community Sustaining Sponsors 2011
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor