Memorial Day Service Led By Eureka Grad

Retired Marine Col. Dan Mater, a Eureka High School graduate, led nearly 200 people Monday in a remembrance of fallen soldiers at the Fenton Heroes Memorial in Fenton City Park.

"Freedom isn't free. There is a tremendous cost involved," Mater said. "We must make sure the youth of Fenton understand the sacrifices of our hometown heroes."

His words on Memorial Day both exalted the heroes that America's military has become, but also celebrated the idea that they also were just ordinary citizens.

"The many men and women we honor today are no better than any of us, but circumstances chose them," he said.

Mater was born and raised in Fenton, attending St. Paul Catholic school and , before moving on to college and a 30-year military career that ended with a final assignment in Baghdad. 

Mater was only part of the program Monday's ceremony to recognize "the sacrifices of so many of Fenton's finest."

Boy Scout Troop 778, of Fenton, presented the Memorial Day Honorarium, posting the colors and laying flower wreathes at the memorial. The Scouts also passed out brochures and small U.S. flags to attendees.

The Rev. Msgr. Michael Dieckman, pastor of St. Paul Catholic Church, in Fenton, and Fenton Mayor Dennis Hancock, also participated in the ceremony.

Harry Doug Hawkins, commander of American Legion Post 400, of Fenton, read a list of local military men and women who were killed in a variety of America's wars.

The Vietnam Veterans of America 1028 performed a rifle salute. Military "Taps" was played by a member of by Scout Troop 778.