Student essays about veterans’ service highlight Memorial Day observance

Posted: June 1, 2006

More than 100 people showed up at a new location for Wauwatosa’s annual Memorial Day observance May 29 to remember and thank those who have fought in wars past and present.

At Wauwatosa East High School, members of Boy Scout Troop 21, based out of Wauwatosa Avenue United Methodist Church, greeted attendees and presented the flag. Eagle Scout Blake Shaffer led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Rev. Llew Walker presented the invocation.

Wauwatosa Mayor Theresa Estness shared a personal and moving story about the veterans in her family and the impact they had on her large family growing up in Chicago.

The winning essayists in the city’s first-ever Memorial Day high school essay contest also were announced and each winner presented his or her piece. Essay entrants were asked to interview a veteran for the competition.