On Monday, Memorial Day, May 25, 2026, the true meaning of this day was represented by the VFW Post 6242 in Beloit.
Before the start of the ceremony, a special song was played, called ‘In case you forgot why you have a three day’.
Tim Reinerd, a friend of VFW Post Commander Gordon McMillan wrote the lyrics and uses an AI program to produce the voice and music. While being posted on Facebook it had 25,000 views in 24 hours, and over 50,000 the next day when they stopped counting. After listening to it, one knows the reason why it has brought tears to many eyes that heard it.
Reinerd is an Air Force veteran of Desert Storm and was assigned to what they call Prime Beef.
He was a base engineer emergency force, then detailed to special operations forces in theatre, where he was a part of a nine man team that set up Forward Operations locations in support of the war fight. He was exposed to the burn pit fires on many occasions and is now fighting prostate cancer for the last three years. On Memorial Day of 2026, this powerful patriotIc song was heard for his 59th birthday and dedicated by Commander McMillan.
The Scouts of Beloit with Outgoing Scoutmaster Doug McKinney and incoming scoutmaster Mary Jane Matlock, displayed and prepared the flag for folding with Scout Troop 98 Breckin Wessling, Elijah Matlock, Jayson Pengra, and Hunter File.
Another song released in 1974 (Ragged Old Flag by Johnny Cash) was played as the Scouts folded the flag. This part of the ceremony was to honor Flag Day on June 14.
Before the start of the ceremony, Commander McMillan thanked everyone that helped with putting up flags and for who would be helping with taking them down.
“We appreciate the support from the community for your donations, attendance at our monthly breakfast, Veterans Day events, Christmas dinner and Easter dinner, and want to recognize our Co Grand Marshal Bob Ellenz and Lorna Jones, who will be 103 in August and was a Rosie the Riveter during WWII. Bob will be one of the oldest members of Post 6242 at age 95 on July 5 as a Korean War Veteran.
Since the Revolutionary War between 1.1 and 1.3 million service members have died serving our country.
“We are all here to honor them today”
After VFW Post 6242 Commander Gordon McMillan (Retired Colonel) commanded detailed attention and to present arms, the National Anthem was sung by Renee Maccarone during the VFW 6242 Memorial Day ceremonies at Elmwood Cemetery on May 25, 2026, in Beloit.
McMillan then presided with:
As long as two comrades survive – so long will the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States render tribute to our heroic dead.
Comrades, Attention! On this day, forever consecrated to our heroic dead, we are assembled once again to express sincere reverence. This monument represents the resting places of many departed comrades who served in all wars. Wherever the body of a comrade lies, then that ground is hallowed. Our presence here is in solemn commemoration of all these men and women – an expression of our tribute to their devotion to duty, to their courage and patriotism. By their services on land, on seas and in the air they have made us their debtors – for the flag of our nation still lies over a land of free people.
Chaplain Tom Maxwell gave the blessing.
“Officers and members of Mitchell County Post #6242, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, we will now pay our respects to our departed comrades. In so doing we offer solemn tribute to all comrades wherever they may rest,” said McMillan.
Sr. Vice Commander Adam File, placed a special wreath at the Veterans monument, “On behalf of Mitchell County Post #6242, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, I place this symbol of remembrance.”
Jr. Vice Commander Adam File, presents a white flower, “I place this symbol of purity. May each future generation emulate the unselfish courage of all men and women who fought for freedom.”
Officer of the Day, Adam File, presents a red flower, “In memory of the heroic dead who have fallen in defense of the United States of America, I place this tribute of our devotion and everlasting remembrance.
Commander McMillan presents a United States flag, “On behalf of our glorious republic for whose integrity our comrades enlisted and served, I place this emblem of our nation. The flag of our country was theirs to defend. Its glorious colors shall wave over them in death as in life – for everyone to behold.”
Commander McMillan returns to his station and declares “To our comrades who have departed we render a silent salute. Comrades, Present Arms as they all salute to the monument.
“Comrades in the Silent Land beyond, wherever your mortal remains may rest, these solemn services we hold in tribute to you.”
Order Arms!
The firing squad of AJ Baxa, Kenneth Heald, Bud McGuire and Don Walker carried out their orders of firing and were followed by taps from Kim Nelson.
“Detail, dismissed!”
