“Freedom Isn’t Free”, that was the message which was sent out by all participants at the annual Coon Valley Memorial Day program on Monday, May 26, a day to remember all the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice so everyone they left behind could enjoy and cherish the freedoms we have today.

The 86th annual tribute kicked off at 10:30 a.m. with a parade down Central Avenue. Members of the Coon Valley and Chaseburg VFW and Legion posts proudly carried the colors, followed by Westby high and middle school bands that entertained hundreds of people who lined the streets, with a variety of patriotic melodies.

Royalty from Westby, Chaseburg, Viroqua and Coon Valley waved to the crowds, while area Boy and Girl Scouts marched along. Miniature flags were handed out to people sitting along the parade route by local businesses so visitors could wave them proudly as civic and commercial floats passed by. The

short, but well-attended parade, ended at Veteran’s Memorial Park, near the Coon Creek Veteran’s Memorial with a line of emergency vehicles operated by members of the Coon Creek Fire and Rescue team.

The master of ceremonies for the Memorial Day ceremony was Coon Valley American Legion Post 116 Commander Charles Nelson, who had the pleasure of welcoming people to the event, and sending them home with his traditional bugle rendition of Taps.

The Pledge of Allegiance was performed by area girl scouts who sang the patriotic tune with plenty of heart and an occasional high note, after which, Coon Valley President Monte Nelson welcomed people to the village of 700.

Auxiliary President Annette Ihle thanked the local scouts, who although small in numbers, were big in heart when it comes to their roles of decorating the crosses for the Memorial Day event.

SAL Commander Chad Hofslien reminded people to never take freedom for granted, while Chaseburg American Legion Commander Eugene Johnson said the real heroes are the ones who didn’t make it back from war and who are especially honored on Memorial Day, along with all veterans who were fortunate enough to return home to tell their stories to future generations.

Coon Creek Area VFW Commander Lou DiSciascio, like so many others, prays for the day when wars seize to exist, but as long as they do the fallen will be honored for their services in special events like the Coon Valley Memorial Day Tribute. Following DiSciascio was Amanda King who read Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and Autumn Gabrielson recited In Flander’s Field.

The 2008 Badger Boy, Brad Ecklor and Badger Girl, Brenna Gibbons were introduced by out-going representatives, Cory Mikshowsky and Chelsey Foster, which led up to guest speaker and local resident Rod Ofte.

Following Ofte’s speech Cub Scouts Packs 319 and 322 and Boy Scout Troop 322 decorated the crosses and presented eight new members to the field. Members who passed away within the past year included: Walter Griffin, Charles Nordstrum, Harvey Larson, Clarence Moilien, John E. Roesler, Otis W. Anderson, Allan Stakston and Richard Galstad.

Coon Valley American Legion representative Paul Nickols laid a wreath in the Coon Creek in honor of fallen soldiers who were lost or buried at sea and Pastor Diane Martin provided the invocation and the benediction.

The beautiful ceremony, which matched the gorgeous weather, came to an end with firing squad salute to the departed veterans by members of the Coon Valley and Chaseburg American legions and the Coon Creek VFW, followed by Nelson playing Taps. Visitors were also invited to a luncheon served by the ladies auxiliary at the legion hall following the ceremony.