WHO TV - Joni Ernst, David Young Speak at Iowa Veterans Cemetery

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by Staff Writer

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst and U.S. Representative David Young spoke at a ceremony held at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery on Monday.

Ernst and Young were joined by a crowd of military veterans and personnel.

Young discussed the sacrifice made by those who have served and died.

"These are those who boldly walked through the doors of uncertainty," Young said. "Not knowing what the next day or hour or minute brought them. They did this for you and me. They paid the ultimate sacrifice for those they will never know. They put their lives on the line so we could live."

Ernst also added that the meaning of Memorial Day has been lost.

"Memorial Day was originally proclaimed to be the 30th day of May. On that day, our confederate and union soldiers were honored with flags being placed on their grave sites. Over the course of years, the day has changed," Ernst said. "Many now will gather for picnics and parties. It has turned into a three day weekend of celebration."

Along with the ceremony, the 49th Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry donated a bronze plaque that features the Gettysburg address written on it. The memorial honors the more than 13,000 Iowans who died in the Civil War.

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