‘Lest We Forget’: Wathena veteran reflects on sacrifice during Memorial Day service  

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV)-- The American Legion and VFW in Wathena held a Memorial Day service at 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, bringing community members together to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country. 

Michael White, a retired United States Navy chaplain commander, said the main message was "lest we forget."

“We came here to remember. To remember those who have given their lives, given the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms that we enjoy because we take them for granted so often,” White said.  

White reflected on the long history of Memorial Day observances and the nation’s tradition of honoring fallen service members, dating back nearly 250 years to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

Having served 25 years in the military as a chaplain, White said commemorations like this have been an important part of his life for as long as he can remember. 

“Back in the day I remember when we had the parades, people would march five miles and fill the roads with flags and shouted God Bless America,” White added.  

For White, the biggest takeaway from the day is making sure people never forget those who served and especially those who lost their lives defending the country.  

“I have known so many who have given their lives for our freedom and that’s the ultimate price,” he said.  

He hopes the event reminds people of the importance of coming together not just as citizens, but as a community and as family members who support one another. 

White also said gatherings like Memorial Day services are a chance for veterans to reconnect, share stories and enjoy each other’s company.  

“We tease each other. We are in the military so we tease the marines and the army and the air force and the space force,” he said.  

Along with honoring those who served, White said he values the sense of camaraderie and the opportunity to lift spirits through events like the Memorial Day service.