Trinity Lutheran Church dedicates flag memorial garden

Immediately following the morning worship service on Sunday, May 24 (Memorial Day weekend), Trinity Lutheran Church in Anna dedicated a flag memorial garden. The garden is located in front of the church and to the left of the church’s main entrance.

The creation of the flag memorial garden was funded by money given in memory of four veterans: Bruno Bauer, Dennis Boyd, Adolph Koeling and Melvin Schlicting.

The terraced garden area was designed and constructed by Anthony Edwards.

A dedication service was planned for outside in the garden area. Because of rainy weather, the dedication service was held in the church’s sanctuary.

A bench in the garden area is inscribed with the words “to all who serve.” The garden was created in memory of the four members of Trinity represented by the families in the accompanying picture, but also was dedicated to all of those who have served the nation.

In addition to the Bauer, Boyd, Schlicting and Koeling families, the congregation also recognized the widows of fallen Trinity veterans Bob Hutton, Elbert Michels, Edward Sauerbrunn and Russell Shaffer.

All present-day veterans also were recognized during the ceremony. Trinity members who are veterans who attended the morning worship service were Rick Lingle and Don Witthoft. Former Trinity member William Hartje also attended.

Everyone was given a small American flag as they left the service.