Veterans and citizens, both young and old, came to the Rugby Memorial Hall on Memorial Day to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers who gave their lives serving this country.

About 125 attended the annual VFW Memorial Day program. Veterans of past wars were represented on the stage and introduced by Daryl Kuhnhenn, VFW commander.

Rugby Mayor Dale Niewoehner gave the keynote address, taking the opportunity to share portions of V-Mail from WWII soldiers and their family members. It provided a unique perspective into the lives of those affected by war. Donna Lennon, VFW Auxiliary president, provided the invocation and benediction.

Band students from Rugby Jr.-Sr. High School under the direction of Tilman Hovland performed the national anthem and another patriotic selection. Dianne Montonye performed some patriotic music on the piano prior to the program’s start.

The program also included the laying of the memorial wreath near the monument of fallen soliders from Pierce County on the south lawn of the Hall. The color guard fired shots in remembrance of those soldiers, and then Hovland played Taps to conclude the program.