(Atlantic) Memorial services were held across the country today to honor those who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. This morning at the Atlantic Cemetery, Dennis Sasse, Department Chaplain of the Sons of Veterans of the Civil War, opened the ceremony.
Mark McNees delivered the keynote address at the ceremony. A lifelong resident of Atlantic, McNees attended broadcast school and began his career in radio before dedicating 37 years to the Atlantic Postal Service. He also served the community for 32 years with the Atlantic Fire Department, including 13 years as Fire Chief, and is a Past President of the Iowa Firefighters Association.
McNees has deep family ties to the military—his father and uncle both served in the Army during the Korean War, and his brother dedicated 30 years to the Air Force, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant.
Mark McNees says that as he became more aware of the World War II veterans who lived around him, he began to notice a common bond they all shared.
Mark McNees shared that he has witnessed the Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery and visited several memorials in Washington, D.C.
The ceremony ended with taps. The Atlantic High School Marching Band played at the ceremony, and Steve Livengood served as the Emcee.
