Tribute paid to ‘extraordinary’ work in Memorial Day ceremony at Howard Park

By JOSEPH DITS, Tribune Staff Writer

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By Beth Boehne

Story Created: May 25, 2009 at 12:40 PM EST

Story Updated: May 25, 2009 at 12:40 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — Norma Switalski and three fellow residents of St. Joseph Towers rolled into Howard Park in their wheelchairs.

Around her neck hung a photo of her 27-year-old grandson, U.S. Marine Sgt. Joseph M. Fuch, who has served twice in combat in Iraq and now is stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

And even before the Memorial Day ceremony began Monday in front of 80 or more people of many ages at the St. Joseph County Vietnam Veterans Memorial, she told a reporter something from her heart.

"Every person, when you see a person that’s served the country — even policemen and firemen — every day should take time to say thank you," she said. "I’ve done it many times, and it brings tears to many eyes, because people don’t always expect to be thanked."

The U.S. Marine Corps League Auxiliary organized the 20-minute ceremony, which has been held for many years. Diane Friesner, president of the auxiliary’s Michiana Hoosier Unit, tossed a wreath of red, white and blue flowers into the St. Joseph River.

And Terry Monroe Sr. spoke to the crowd.

"Now we have a lot of guys coming home from Iraq, Afghanistan and wherever else," said Monroe, a retired Marine from South Bend who served in the Vietnam War. "What we need to do is pat them on the back, shake their hands and say thank you. Already two people have come up to me and said thank you."

The Rev. Don Neely, retired pastor of Ridgedale Presbyterian Church, is a veteran of the Army, where he served as a chaplain.

He said people ask why he does this on Memorial Day. Is it, they ask, "because you’re proud and you want to glorify war?"

"There’s no glory in war," he said. "It brings ordinary people together, and they do extraordinary things."

Staff writer Joseph Dits:
jdits@sbtinfo.com
(574) 235-6158

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