~submitted by Mary Weaver
After the services at the Fairview UMC and cemetery, Bowers-Angus, Old Rippey Cemeteries, the Kinkead-Martin Legion Post #583 of Rippey presented the traditional Memorial Day service at the Rippey Cemetery on Monday, May 27, at 11 am.
The avenue of U.S. Flags, placed by Dan Brubaker and his crew, was a patriotic welcome to nearly 100 persons. Friends and relatives, up to four generations of some families, listened as Mary Weaver welcomed everyone.
Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Weaver and about 15 youngsters, from ages 3 to 12, who came from their parents and grandparents’ sides to cross their hearts and repeat the pledge.
Weaver gave a brief history of the Kinkead-Martin #583 Legion Post, who obtained its first charter on April 28, 1922, in memory of Corporal Clifford Winchell Kinkead. He was the first Greene County soldier to die in WWI. He enlisted at age 17, having to obtain permission from his parents, John and Fannie (Winchell) Kinkead, pastor, and school superintendent. He died in France, October 28, 1918; aged 20 years, one month, and eight days.
On April 11, 1948, a new charter was issued to rename the post to Kinkead-Martin, in memory of Clifford Kinkead and Dale Martin, who were the first servicemen from the Rippey area to give their lives in World War I and World War II.
Dale Lewis Martin, son of Lewis and Bessie (Underwood) Martin, died defending his country, at Pearl Harbor, HI, on Sunday, December 7, 1941, at the age of 25 years, 11 months and seven days.
Sharon Ulrich, the organizing force and coordinator for the service, was acknowledged and thanked. Weaver stated that she had been subbing for 10 years for her now deceased friend Velda DeMoss, and that Ulrich would be searching for a new volunteer to replace her.
Washington Township trustees Neal Dollinger, chairman, Greg Jacobs, Mary Hick, and clerk, Jean Borgeson were recognized for having the cemetery in such excellent and beautiful condition. Randy Lebeck is the sexton.
Brenda Roberts then provided a beautiful vocal solo, America the Beautiful.
Janice Johnston read In Flanders Field while a new decorated wreath created by Claudia Brubaker was placed on the replica of the tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Dee Savits.
Pastor Jon Williams gave a heartfelt message about the history and meaning of Memorial Day, sharing some memories of his past duties in the Middle East.
Legion members Commander Gary Schmidt, Chris Kilmer, John Savits, Mike Scharingson, Dan Brubaker, Bill Hamilton, and Dennis Ulrich presented the 21-gun salute. Geoff Roberts played Taps to conclude the ceremony.
Ulrich thanked Weaver for her service and announced that she and Mary would both like to be replaced in their roles and are actively seeking volunteers.
A lunch was served following the service at the United Methodist Church in Rippey.
