Before the service at Oak Hill Cemetery, Tama participants stopped to take a photo in front of the memorial. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

TAMA – Enright-Schroder Tama American Legion Post 73, American Legion post 73 Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, and Tama-Toledo Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6607 members gathered for multiple services around the city of Tama and Montour.

Services were held on Sunday at Sheridan Church, St. John’s Cemetery, Maple Grove Cemetery, while Monday services included: St. Patrick Cemetery, Oak Hill Cemetery, and the Iowa River Bridge.

Through the two days of services Mike Carnahan helped organize local trumpet players to play taps. Maeley Elsbury and Emily Carnahan played on Sunday with Josiah Houghton taking a turn on Monday.

Eric Henry of EricH Media was present at services and is preparing a video of the Memorial Day observations highlighting family and community involvement.

TOLEDO – Reinig-Friedrich Post 72 Toledo American Legion and Sons of the American Legion members gathered for three Memorial Day services on Monday. Starting at Hayes Cemetery in the morning, many neighbors attended the rural service. At 11 observers gathered on the lawn of the Courthouse to engage in the service. Cat Campbell-Currier served as the guest speaker, telling about her connections to those in service and experiences proving perspective and gratitude. Cat also read the names of all the veterans that have passed away from Tama County since June of 2024. At noon, the final service of the day was held at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Young and old celebrated the federal holiday through their participation. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

Through Tama, Toledo, and Montour, attendance at the various services was up substantially from the prior few years. Both Tama and Toledo members of the various organizations expressed the desire to get more young people involved in honoring and celebrating our local veterans and keeping their memories alive for many years to come.

Cat Campbell-Currier delivered a powerful address ahead of a three round volley at the Tama County Courthouse in Toledo. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

Standing in unison, members of the Reinig-Friedrich Post 72 Toledo American Legion and Sons of the American Legion performed a three round volley, honoring Veterans and offering their contributions to local Memorial Day activities. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

Maeley Elsbury, flanked by the American flag, played Taps at the Tama services. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER