THE MEMORIAL DAY PARADE AND PROGRAM
The Memorial Day Event was considered a success to all people concerned. We had a marvelous day, a marvelous parade, and a beautiful program. The Master of Ceremonies President Karel Kearl was really satisfied at its final results.
The Parade was formed at the Memorial flagpole May 30 at 9:45 PM. The kids were busy decorating their bikes and setting themselves up for the parade. In the process they were being inspected and judged by the Mr. Lion, Mrs. Easter Bunny, and Matt Rogatz. The winners were announced later at the program event. Lion Eric Kurtz positioned himself at Diana and Deer Trail to form the parade along Deer Trail. The band positioned itself around the Memorial flagpole and they played taps after Rev. Lion Mike Becker gave an invocation for all fallen heroes.
New Lion Jeanie Krusa assisted by two young female cadets placed a wreath in front of the flagpole. After this moving ceremony the parade was lead by marching Lions with Lion’s banner held high.
Many clubs were represented at the parade with banners and other items submitted for the occasion which was unique to their club. The parade was the longer than we had over the last few years. Lion Matt Rogatz is be congratulated for his effort to publicize the event and to invite as many participants as possible to make the parade a success.
The parade stepped off at 10:15 AM and proceeded to Kraft Field and the Color Guard came to rest at 10:30 AM. President Lion Karel called the Color Guard to attention and asked it post the colors. Lion Karel opened with a tribute to the veterans of previous wars and acknowledged them for their merits in previous conflicts. Lion Jeanie again assisted by the lady ROTC cadets marched to the flagpole and placed another wreath and proceeded back as taps was being played.
Staff Sgt. Kevin Kessler delivered a stirring speech about the action of the common soldier and his duty and commitment to his country. He was followed in secession by Dr. Henry Kazimier with a stirring rendition of “Flanders Fields”. In the past this function was performed by Lion Tony Wrann who passed away shortly after last year's Memorial Day event. The Ogden Dunes Community Church choir sang our National Anthem and later gave a stirring rendition of America which the crowd enjoyed immensely.
Lion Karel gave a brief summary of the program which the Ogden Dunes Lions completed during the year and extended an open invitation to the audience interested in joining the club. Lion Matt Rogatz followed with thanks to all the people in Lions who assisted in putting the program in motion. He thanked other town clubs and committees for their participation in the parade which helped make it a success this year. He closed by inviting the entire crowd for hot dogs, beer, and pop.
As the day progressed raffle tickets were drawn and the winners were named. All in all is a great day and the visitors and members enjoy a great day of visitation with old and new friends.
OFFICER INSTALLATION JUNE 13, 2011
June 13 the Ogden Dunes Lions met for the last time during this yearly session. It was our annual officers installation and steak dinner. We invited past District Governor Margaret Verkuilen and the Lion First Lady Robin Smith as our special guests for the event. Lion Tom Kniola purchased 23 delicious steaks from Costco. Thanks to our Street Department, the hall was set up to our satisfaction and the town grill was placed at our disposal at the rear the hall. The steaks were grilled to our satisfaction (thanks Tom K) and we proceeded with the great meal provided by our club. After opening ceremonies Lion Karel welcomed our special guest PDG Margaret Verkuilen to induct our new member Donna Zatkoff.
Lion Karel continued with the program by giving a state of the club and its achievements through the previous year. Her membership total was increased by four new members but on the bad side it was sadden by the loss of two of our most prominent members, Lion Tony Wrann and Tony Kupkee.
PDG Margaret presented Lion Steve Grandfield with Club Excellence Award which included a pin and a patch for our banner. She also recognized Lion Fred Hoham with a Chevron for his 25 years of service. She awarded Membership Keys to Lion Steve Grandfield and Lion Tom Hendrix. She continued her presentations with prestigious Live Membership Awards to charter member Tom Tittle and Secretary Tom Hendrix.
Lion Karel thanked the club for their help during the year and awarded service appreciation plaques to her cabinet members. She again recognized PDG Margaret who inducted our new officers.
PDG Margaret installed all the new officers and invited new president Matt Rogatz to take gavel. New president Matt presented President Karel with the Past President Plaque and a Certificate of Appreciation to PDG Margaret for her help. He also recognized Lion Robin Smith for valuable assistance to the club for the past two years. He also recognized some of the outgoing Lions for their work and service. He adjourned the meeting.
