Captain Joshua Lien gives heartfelt message during 2018 Veteran's Day Program in Redfield

By Shiloh Appel

On Sunday, November 11th, it was a packed house at the Redfield American Legion as  the 2018 Veteran's Day Program began with a welcome speech by Mayor Jayme Akin. The atmosphere was heavy and solemn as VFW Commander Jim Huckabay read the meaning of each of the items at the POW/MIA table and called on those present to remember their dedication, bravery and sacrifice.
Guest speaker Captain Joshua Lien, S-4 Officer for the 153rd Engineer Bn. SD National Guard, followed Huckabay's reading with a moving and emotional message. Lien, who has been enlisted since he was 17 years old, included many personal experiences of losing close friends and fellow soldiers in battle in his speech. He said it was as if all of those present were there with him on those days, giving him courage. Captain Lien closed his speech with a poem, "The final inspection," by an unknown author. The poem describes a soldier's judgement before God and entrance into heaven.
The Redfield High School chorus, led by Cherie Lundstrum, gave tribute to the veterans with two songs: "Blades of Grass" and "To Those Who Serve," before the closing prayer. Singers included Reagan Nelson, Hannah Owens, Elizabeth Fixsen, Eve Millar, Zach Jordan, Jaxson Frankenstein, Kaleb Schutte and Cameron Schultz. Taps was played by bugler Mario Hansen, and the opening and closing prayer was said by Brad Englund.
An oyster feed lunch was provided by the Sons of the American Legion for all veterans following the program.