Clinton County communities plan Memorial Day ceremonies to honor fallen service members

23rd District Commander Mike Funneman    Residents across Clinton County will gather Memorial Day weekend to honor the servicemen and servicewomen who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation.
    Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, is observed as a day of remembrance for those who died while serving in the United States military.
    Citizens can pay their respects and honor America’s great from past wars and service at several Memorial Day services in Clinton County this weekend.
    A post-everlasting ceremony will be held Monday, May 25, at 10:30 a.m. (sharp) at Timmermann-Benhoff American Legion Post 252 in Breese.
    Timmermann-Benhoff Post 252 will honor both their living and deceased members who represented the country during wars and conflicts.
    Mike Funneman of Teutopolis will be the guest speaker at this year's Memorial Day program at Post 252 in Breese.
    Mike Funneman was born and raised in Teutopolis. After high school, he enlisted in the Army National Guard as an indirect fire infantryman. Over a 22-year career, Funneman was deployed to Europe for force protection following Sept. 11, 2001. He joined the American Legion in 2002 and retired in 2006.
    Funneman has served two terms as post commander and remains active in the post. At the district level, he has served as junior vice commander, senior vice commander, and commander, and served on three department committees.
    Mike and his wife Cindy have been married for 38 years and have three children: Jenna, Aaron and Brandon.
    The Legion will honor four members of the Legion who have recently passed — Thomas Huelskamp, Paul Jansen, Ronald Lager and Anthony "Tony" Timmermann.
    The Legion also will honor several deceased members of the Auxiliary — Shirley Berns, Audrey Johnson and Judy Pariseau.
    The public is invited to attend a luncheon afterward, served by the Ladies Auxiliary.
    Other communities in the area also are holding Memorial Day services:
    •In Aviston, Memorial Day services will begin Sunday, May 24, with a 9:30 a.m. Mass at St. Francis Catholic Church, followed by a march to the cemetery for the traditional placing of the wreath and a 21-gun salute. There will be a flag ceremony at Aviston American Legion Post 1239, honoring Legion members who have passed, and then a luncheon held at the Legion.
    •In Beckemeyer, a ceremony to honor those who have died will be held Monday, May 25, at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Cemetery and a 10:30 a.m. ceremony will be held at the Beckemeyer Village Cemetery, sponsored by the American Legion Post 1227 Drill Team and Honor Guard.
    •In Carlyle, a Memorial Day service will be held Monday, May 25, at 10 a.m. at the Carlyle Cemetery. Vietnam Veterans of Clinton County Chapter 269 and Carlyle VFW Post 3523 are putting on the ceremony, which includes a flag raising ceremony, provided by the Carlyle Cub and Boy Scouts. The "National Anthem" will be performed by Carlyle High School students, directed by Ms. Sanker. John Barrett will serve as the master of ceremonies. Retired U.S. Army Col. Rachele Smith will be the guest speaker. (More information on Smith can be found on Page 1A). Pastor Jason McIntosh will give the invocation and benediction. Carlyle High School students will perform the musical selection.
    Vietnam Veterans Chapter 269 and Carlyle VFW 3523 will give a Salute to the Dead, as well as the placing of the wreaths. Mike Wilton and Echo Don Diamond will perform "Taps." In the event of rain, the services will be held at Carlyle VFW.
    Special thanks to Cub Scout Pack 281 for helping place flags on the cemetery graves. If a flag is unintentionally missed, additional flags are at the Memorial Monument.
    •In New Baden, New Baden American Legion Post 321 will be holding Memorial Day services Sunday, May 24, at 12:30 p.m. at New Baden Community Park. In the event of inclement weather, the services will be held at the American Legion in New Baden. Everyone is invited to the Post following the ceremony for a light luncheon.•In Trenton, a Memorial Day ceremony will be held Monday, May 25, at 10 a.m. at Trenton Community Park by the flagpoles. The event is hosted by Trenton American Legion Post 778 and Trenton Sons of American Legion. Everyone is invited.