NOV. 9, 2024
A special supplement to the
Shannon Geisen/Enterprise
Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War remembered Lloyd C. Hawks, saying “Let us cherish his example as a patriot and defender of those principals he believed to be right.”
Park Rapids’ WWII war hero is remembered By Shannon Geisen Editor’s note: This originally published May 1, 2024. Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) celebrate “all who have patriotically served our country in any war,” said SUVCW Junior Vice Camp Commander James Johnson, adding it’s their duty “to honor the memory of the men who stood shoulder to shoulder on the bloody fields of battle, who guarded so faithfully, so honesty fought for liberty and the dear ol’ flag.” Johnson made his remarks before the
gravestone of Sergeant First Class Lloyd C. Hawks on April 27, 2024. Hawks was the first medic in military history to receive a Medal of Honor for his actions in WWII. “They fought so we may have peace. They fought so we may enjoy our life, liberty, happiness and justice. We are here today to honor one of those who fought for these rights,” Johnson said. “The Medal of Honor is our nation’s highest award for valor under fire that can be awarded to members of the armed forces.” More than 3,400
Medals of Honor have been awarded, he continued, since it was first authorized in 1861.
‘Displaying dogged determination’
“The march of this soldier is over,” Johnson said of Hawks. “Let us remember comrade Hawks, here at rest under the blue skies of heaven and guarded by the silent stars that in life watched over him when he bivouacked on the battlefield and laid down, weary and footsore, at the end of a day’s march.” Hawks joined the U.S
Shannon Geisen/Enterprise
The Park Rapids American Legion Honor Guard participates in Hawks ceremony. From left are First Vice Commander Ron Pierzinski, Bob Safratowich, Commander WWII WAR HERO: Page 3 Kasey Krautkremer.
Thank You for Serving Our Country and Protecting Our Freedom
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