The Superior Express -

Because of the weather, the Esbon 2021 Memorial Day Ceremony was moved indoors to the Esbon Community Center. The event has been an annual one since before most of those attending could remember. The Perry L. Lamb Post 368 of the American Legion, under Commander Joseph L. Pashia, was in charge.

Edgar Marihugh of Esbon was the speaker, reminding those in attendance of the number of lives it has taken to keep the United States free. The Civil War cost the United States more lives, some 625,000, than nearly all other wars combined.

Just a couple of blocks south of the Community Center, the Esbon War Memorial reminds all what freedom has cost the small town. The memorial is engraved with eight names. Perry Lamb, for whom Post 368 was named, lost his life in 1918 during WWI. Albert Shook also lost his life in 1918 during the “War to end all wars.” Ralph Phillips, Lyle Matousek, and Julian Ball gave their lives during WWII. Max Underwood died during the Korean Conflict. Then, during the Vietnam War, Larry Belden and Paul Thomas made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States.

All “hometown boys” like those from towns and cities all across the United States. But these eight, they were Esbon’s own, remembered and honored.

The community center was standing, covering removed, as Marihugh led the group in the Star-Spangled Banner to conclude the ceremony.

After the ceremony, a meal was served, as an American a tradition as apple pie. Yes, there was some of that too but it was heard the pie aficionados were eating the coconut cream!