Members of the Valparaiso community gathered at Foundation Meadows Park to show their support of those who fought for the country. Valpo Parks hosted its Memorial Day Ceremony on the morning of Friday, May 24.
This service has become an annual tradition and displays a heartfelt tribute to show gratitude for those who served and sacrificed for the nation.
“This is a chance for the community to get together and recognize those who served in the military, specifically for those that lost their lives in the line of duty,” Kevin Nuppnau, director of Valpo Parks, said. “It's great to see our first responders here, along with so many veterans and even family members of those that lost their lives.
While Memorial Day weekend is typically a busy weekend when it comes to ceremonies to recognize these fallen heroes, Nuppnau is thankful for Valpo Parks to have the chance to share its appreciation at one of their own parks for the next several days.
“It’s an honor for us to be able to host this event here. It's such a beautiful facility and we're thankful to kick things off on Friday. Throughout the weekend and on Monday, there will be more services and gathering opportunities for people. We're certainly just proud to be one of the many opportunities that people have to reflect.”
This year’s Memorial Day message for the ceremony was presented by U.S. Army Veteran Dr. Robert Shankland. After moving to Valparaiso at age 11, Shankland went on to graduate at Valparaiso High School in 1959.
Shankland attended the University of Michigan, pursuing his passion for dentistry. After he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1966, he was called to serve his country and volunteer for the draft during the Vietnam War.
“All of us, especially the dead that we are here to honor today, are serving to give our citizens their rights,” Shankland said. “This includes the right to protest free speech, freedom of religion and all of the rights that we so often take for granted.”
As time has gone on, Shankland has noticed a different outlook on what it means for the nation to serve as a veteran.
“When I first got back, you wouldn’t say that you were a veteran,” Shankland said. “A lot of that has changed over the years. Now, the Vietnam Veterans always say ‘Welcome home.’ There’s an honor wall of Valparaiso High School veterans that have served in the military. They're encouraging people to get some recognition that have decided to make this a career as opposed to college or the regular workforce. As a veteran, I was very proud to serve.”
Mayor Jon Costas was also in attendance for the ceremony. He shared that while it’s important to recognize the men and women in service on Memorial Day weekend, there are also a few ways that we can continue to do this year round.
“Voting in every election allows us to honor those who fought for the privilege to elect our leaders,” Costas said. “We should respect and fly the flag while realizing what it stands for. Lastly, it’s important for us to always support and thank our veterans and first responders.
Valpo Parks takes pride in hosting a collection of people who have deep roots with what Memorial Day stands for.
“Our role is to bring people together in a positive way,” Nuppnau said. “Whether it’s a program like this or other opportunities, we don’t take any of it for granted. We’re proud to have that role in the Valparaiso community. It takes a team effort to get to this point and today’s a special day for us all.”
Attendees were also treated with Dunkin’ Donuts breakfast options provided by Valpo Parks.
For more information on Valpo Parks, you can visit its website.
