Reins to Memorial Day program in new hands

The records and notes for Waseca county’s annual Memorial Day program go back to 1933. They summarize the many ways local communities and organizations have honored the region’s deceased veterans going back even to the Civil War.

Waseca resident Grant Whissemore has been the volunteer organizer for the past 19 programs. Now 78, he has passed the records and the responsibility on to fellow Memorial Day volunteer Kevin Dickie, 68.

Since he has volunteered with a number of the different annual Memorial Day initiatives over the past decade or so, Dickie admits he knew what he was getting himself into, and decided to take the leadership position only after considerable deliberation. Dickie has helped for the past 10 years or so with the Sons of the American Legion group “Avenue of the Flags” displayed at Woodville and Calvary cemeteries through the early part of the summer. He has been part of the Memorial Day program planning committee for the past four.

Whissemore explains he decided the timing is right for passing along the leadership role. “I wanted to be sure a new committee chair would have time to learn the ropes while I was still around to answer questions,” he said. He adds that it’s imperative the Memorial Day program continue to convey the honor and dignity due to deceased veterans.

“We need the community to be involved as we draw attention to the veterans who have passed on. We need to honor them with the flags posted on their graves and with the program,” said Whissemore.

Of his own work, he said “It’s been a labor of love.” Whissemore served in the U.S. Army in Korea from 1968 to ’70 and was part of the National Guard as a “ground pounder” for five years.

Dickie is not a veteran, but says he believes strongly in honoring veterans because family members in the generations above, beside and below him have served and are serving in the military. Dickie recently attended a graduation ceremony from basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, which included two of his grandchildren.

Dickie says he feels comfortable taking on the planning of the Memorial Day program because even with Grant’s departure, the committee has numerous dedicated, experienced members who will continue to support the preparations. Whissemore’s consistent work improving the communication, planning and available equipment for the yearly events, he says, also bolster his confidence.

The annual Memorial Day program takes place the morning of the first Monday in May. Weather permitting, it is located on the county courthouse lawn and often features a brief parade which includes the Waseca High School marching band and units from American Legion and V.F.W. posts located in area communities.

According to the two, planning for the day begins in February and continues with frequent committee meetings and ongoing tasks even somewhat after the program is completed and everything is put away. “The last meeting is our follow-up,” explains Whissemore. “We get together and talk about what went well and what we might want to change in the future.”