Memorial Day - Remember and Honor

Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for the freedom and security of our nation. The holiday originated during the Civil War, when citizens placed flowers on the graves of soldiers who had fallen in battle. It was first called Decoration Day, and several places claim to be its birthplace.

At 3:00 pm local time, a national moment of silence is observed to pay tribute to the fallen. The tradition was initiated by President Bill Clinton in 2000, and is known as the National Moment of Remembrance.

St. Lucas UCC remembers those from our church who died while serving their country:

Andrew Huegel

Andrew Huegel died during WWI in France on October 23, 1918 at the age of 27.  He died of pneumonia while serving in the Army. Many WWI vets died of illness due to spending so much time in wet trenches. He’s buried in the St. Lucas Cemetery.

Harold Klein

Harold Valentine Klein died in WWII in Germany on January 18, 1945 at the age of 26. He was killed in action.  He is buried in the St. Lucas Cemetery.

Larry Reynolds

Larry Reynolds was killed in a Jeep accident in Germany while serving. He died on June 3, 1945 and is buried in France.

Charles Jacob Rott

Charles Jacob Rott died in WWII on May 10, 1943 while serving in the Navy at age 36.  He’s buried at Jefferson Barracks.

Arthur William Spindler

Arthur William Spindler died on April 1, 1944 at age 19.  He is buried at St. Lucas. News of his death was in articles in the Post Dispatch. The airplane that he was piloting in WWII couldn’t stop in time on the aircraft carrier when he was landing.

Marshall Weidlich

Marshall Weidlich stepped on a mine one day after D-Day. He died in Normandie, France on July 19, 1944 at age 24.  He’s buried at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. He was married at the time of his death (married in 1943). The Weidlich name is common in St. Lucas history. Bob Weidlich is a current member.

Information provided by:

The Heritage Committee

www.findagrave.com

Commentary: Congregant

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The Sappington-Concord Historical Society will return to St. Lucas United Church of Christ this year to host the biggest, little annual Memorial Day celebration in South County. This year’s event will be at 9:00 am, Monday, May 26, on the green at St. Lucas United Church of Christ, 11735 Denny Road, 63126. The annual family-friendly celebration is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, and parking will be available on the east parking lot at St. Lucas UCC.