“All is quiet” for war victims resting in area cemeteries

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Descriptions of Memorial Day in the Berne Witness newspapers during World War II all emphasized one aspect of the community’s respect for blood shed on behalf of American freedom. All was quiet, stores closed down, and a respective silence filled the hearts of those remembering the lives sacrificed, and prayers were given on behalf of those still serving. There was no parade, no fanfare, just a hush and a prayer that those serving from the community would return safely. These days, American flags flap in the breeze in front of the War Memorial at the MRE Cemetery. Graves are being neatly decorated in honor of veterans and for family members and loved ones. In downtown Geneva, preparations are being made at the village’s war memorial for this year’s annual south Adams County Memorial Day service at 10 a.m. The service currently rotates by the year between Berne and Geneva. Years ago, graves were decorated with bouquets of flowers from the family garden, irises...