The VFW Post 756 and VFW Auxiliary of Devils Lake presented a program to remember and honor Memorial Day on Monday, May 26 at 9:45 a.m. in the Memorial Building gymnasium.
The Veterans of Foreign War Honor Guard commanded by Ed Dosch and Jack Volk presented the colors and the Devils Lake Elks Community Band presented The National Anthem.
Andrew Sogge, Commander of the VFW Post 756, led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Invocation which was followed by the Elks Community Band’s “Amber Waves of Grain” directed by Ryan Strid.
Opening remarks, introduction of special guests and the Prayer for Peace were led by Sogge, who also introduced the Guest Speaker, CPT Cody Wren.
Program notes state that “Captain Cody Wren graduated from Devils Lake High School in 2016 and immediately enlisted into the North Dakota Army National Guard. He received his commission as an army officer through the University of North Dakota ROTC program in 2020. His previous assignments include Platoon Leader with 191st Military Police Company where he deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. He has also performed duties as a maintenance control officer and executive officer in the 3662 Support Maintenance Company of Devils Lake, ND. Captain Cody Wren is currently assigned as the Company Commander, Detachment D, 1-188th Air Defense Artillery Battalion in Grand Forks, ND. Captain Wren’s awards and achievements include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal and the Global War on Terror Service Medal. Captain Wren is married to Nicole (Cielinski) of Saint Cloud, MN, and they currently reside in Mandan, ND.”
In his address he gave a brief history of Decoration Day and Memorial Day. He stated that it is “not just a day to remember, but part of our national identity.” He went on to say that “freedom lives because of the sacrifice of those” who gave their all. He encouraged those listening to live with purpose and gratitude for those who sacrificed their lives, like Corporal Nathan J. Good Iron from Mandaree, ND, who died in Afghanistan on Nov. 23, 2006.
The Elks Community Band then performed the Battle Hymn of the Republic and Jason Pierce gave a brief introduction about how the poppy came to be recognized with Memorial Day and he read the poem written by Canadian Col. John McCree, “In Flanders Fields.” Sogge closed the program with the Benediction, closing remarks and the Retiring of the Colors were done by the VFW Honor Guard.
The cemetery service following this program began at 11 a.m. in the Devils Lake Cemetery presented by the VFW and VFW Auxiliary and their honor guards.
