SPORTS | 8 & 9 2025 Solon varsity baseball and softball schedules
THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2025 • $1.50
20
SOLONECONOMIST.COM
‘You are standing at the edge of your future’ Solon HS sends 101 graduates out into the world Chris Umscheid Solon Economist
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Solon’s Gene Greazel was among nearly 90 local veterans who spent last Wednesday touring war memorials in Washington, D.C. on the 55th Eastern Iowa Honor Flight. The flight returned to the Eastern Iowa Airport (Cedar Rapids) around 10:00 p.m. where the veterans were greeted by family, friends, and hundreds of supporters.
A full day
Solon veteran Gene Greazel part of Eastern Iowa Honor Flight Chris Umscheid Solon Economist
chris.umscheid@soloneconomist.com
CEDAR RAPIDS — A full day. That’s what nearly 90 local veterans had Wednesday, May 14 as they participated in Honor Flight 55 and spent the day touring war memorials in Washington, DC. Solon’s Raymond “Gene” Greazel, a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, and 51-year member of Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460, was among them. Upon their return late Wednesday night to the Eastern Iowa Airport, the vets were greeted by hundreds of supporters as well as families and friends along with a flag line by local veterans organizations including Solon’s Harry Hopp representing the Patriot Guard Riders of Iowa. Eastern Iowa Honor Flight, a 501(C)3 non-profit organization, was established in 2009 and is dedicated to taking veterans to Washington DC, at no cost, for a day trip spent touring the memorials dedicated to their service including the WW 2, Lincoln, Korean War, Vietnam, USMC, and USAF memorials as well as Arlington National Cemetery. In addition a tour of the city is taken to see the Smithsonian, U.S. Capitol, and the White House. The organization encourages all veterans to apply with priority given to WW2 and Korean War, veterans with advanced health concerns, and Vietnam veterans. Veterans from other conflicts are also welcomed and a veteran does not need to have seen combat. For more information contact Eastern Iowa Honor Flight (https://eihonorflight.org) at 855-344-3435, extension 1 or by email at easterniowahonorflight@gmail.com.
INSIDE
Solon Public Library News - 3
V
chris.umscheid@soloneconomist.com
SOLON — “You are standing at the edge of your future.” So said Solon Community School Board of Education member Cassie Rochholz in her address to the Class of 2025 during the commencement ceremony Sunday, May 18 in Spartan Stadium. Diplomas were conferred upon 101 graduates after remarks by High School Principal Drew Bunkers and Valedictorians Makayla Keller and Brianna Henning. PHOTOS | 15 Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Olivia Bonnema’s Oxford cap signals her readiness to begin a new chapter in life with Solon High School literally behind her as she heads for her seat during the processional of the 2025 Commencement ceremony Sunday, May 18, in Spartan Stadium.
Public and veterans invited to Memorial Day services Denny Hansen Sgt. at Arms, American Legion Stinocher Post 460 The Solon American Legion “Stinocher Post 460” will host its annual Memorial Day Service at the Legion Memorial Park at 9:00 a.m. Monday, May 27. Transportation will be available from the Legion to the Memorial. Plan to be at the Legion at 8:00 a.m. for a ride to the Memorial. The Solon High School Band will perform, and the Solon Scouts, Troop 460, will also participate. Refreshments will be available at the Legion following the service. Additionally, the Iowa Brass Band will play from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the bandstand in Mushroom Park. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be relocated to the auditorium in the Community Center. An evening Memorial Service will be held on the Sutliff Bridge at 6:00 p.m.. to honor those who were lost at sea. All veterans, area Legion members, and the public are cordially invited to attend one or both of these services to honor the men and women who served our country and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460 member Bill Meyer salutes during the 2024 Memorial Day ceremony at the all veterans memorial site in Solon.
| Opinions - 4 & 5 | Sports - 7-11 | Public Notices - 12 & 13 |
14