CALHOUN: Tribute to Specialist Anthony Gilman set for Memorial Day
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By Steven Spencer
A special Memorial Day tribute honoring Specialist Anthony W. Gilman will take place at Calhoun High School at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 26.
The Calhoun County Commissioners approved a resolution to dedicate a road honoring Gilman earlier this year, and with overwhelming support from the community and local American Legion members decided to wait until Memorial Day for a proper dedication ceremony.
“We Remember: A Memorial Day Tribute Honoring Specialist Anthony W. Gilman” will honor and celebrate the life and service of the Calhoun native with a number of special guests in attendance including Gilman’s Commanding Officer, Major General Christopher Beck.
“This Memorial Day, the community of Calhoun County will unite in remembrance and gratitude at a special ceremony, We Remember: A Memorial Day Tribute, honoring the life and legacy of Specialist Anthony W. Gilman. The tribute will be held under the direction of MSgt. Pam Browning, with a full agenda of patriotic remembrance, community participation, and personal reflection,” a press release provided by the county states. “The ceremony will commence with a welcome from Master of Ceremonies, Calhoun County Commissioner, Terry Woelfel, followed by the Presentation of Colors by the American Legion Posts of Calhoun County. Dr. Lori Franke-Hopkins will perform the National Anthem, and Deacon Mike Hagen will deliver the invocation. The tribute will include local and state dedications, including the official County Proclamation and State Resolution, presented by Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer, as well as the dedication of Kosovo Road, County Road, and State Road in Spc. Gilman’s honor.
Colonel Thomas Groppel, representing the Gilman family, will deliver a heartfelt segment titled “Remembering Spc. Anthony Gilman: A Tribute.”
This will be followed by personal reflections from Spc. Gilman’s comrades, honoring the memory of a soldier known affectionately as “Happy.”
Major General Christopher Beck, Spc. Gilman’s Commanding Officer, while serving in Kosovo, will be introduced to deliver the keynote address, celebrating Sgt. Gilman’s life of service and sacrifice. The ceremony will include a moving musical tribute, “God Bless the U.S.A.,” and conclude with the laying of the wreath by the Class of 1994, a twenty-one-gun salute, Taps, the benediction by Deacon Mike Hagen, and the Retirement of the Colors by the American Legion Posts. This event is free and open to the public. All are welcome to attend and honor the memory of a beloved soldier, community member, and hero.”
