In February, after writing about the 63rd anniversary of the sinking of the USS Bismarck Sea and Greensburg’s James Edgar Land, death I received an email from Boatswain's Mate Second Class Nick Hetzer. He is the Funeral Honors Coordinator for the southwest region of Ohio and is assigned to Naval Operational Support Center in Cincinnati. He wrote, "I was doing some research and came across an article you had written regarding a sailor aboard the USS Bismarck Sea. I thought you might be interested to know about a funeral I am coordinating for Memorial Day weekend (24th of May, Saturday)."

Hetzer said he had been contacted by a man named Joe Litkenhaus regarding his grandfather Harold Gustave Kirchhoff, a second class Electrician's Mate aboard the USS Bismarck Sea. "He was the aft deck elevator operator on the evening on February 21st 1945. The first kamikaze crashed his plane directly into the shaft killing him instantly. The second kamikaze dumped his plane down the shaft once he spotted the flames from the previous crash. You know the rest of the story from there." Hetzer wrote that EM2 Kirchhoff never had a funeral or military honors of any kind. He was 30 years old when he enlisted (not drafted) and left behind a wife and three daughters.

"Joe contacted me to ask if it was "too late" to do something for his grandfather. I told him that it was never too late to honor a fallen shipmate or pay tribute to any veteran. So as I mentioned, the service will be on May 24 at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens located at 5336 Old Taylor Mill Road, Covington, KY." Hetzer thought I might have an interest in writing about the grandson of the man who also died, as did James Edgar Land, on the USS Bismarck Sea and pass on information to persons that might be interested in attending the service. The Navy is planning to publish some articles in All Hands and The Navy Reservist magazines about this story.

Hetzer wrote, "Just thought you might be interested in a little follow up information regarding another brave sailor who also gave his life that night." His job is to make sure every US Navy veteran and active Navy service member who passes away receives military honors at their funeral. "I know the family is on board with all press and I have been given the green light to share all details with anyone who would like to put this story in print. They have expressed that you may use anyone's name you wish. But I ask that you definitely give his grandson, Joe Litkenhaus, credit for getting this project started. If he had not taken initiative and felt pride for the sacrifice his grandfather made, none of this would be possible."

If you live near the Floral Hills Memorial Gardens or would be interested in attending this service you can be assured that you will be welcome. Remember it is May 24, (this coming Saturday) at 5336 Old Taylor Mill Road in Covington, KY.

**A poem written in 1847 by Theodore O’Hara titled "The Bivouac of the Dead," has a lasting appeal. Written about heroes of the relatively remote Mexican War (Two Decatur County men died in the Mexican War) it gained more distinction during the Civil War. O’Hara served in both wars. After the Civil War some lines were inscribed at an entrance to Arlington National Cemetery.

"The muffled drum’s sad roll has beat The soldier’s last tattoo. No more on life’s parade shall meet That brave and fallen few. On Fame’s eternal camping ground Their silent tents are spread, But Glory guards with solemn round The bivouac of the dead."

**Although Memorial Day, originally Decoration Day, was established in 1868, as far as I can determine it wasn’t observed it here until after 1879 when the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) in Greensburg was established. When it started there were more than 500 members but membership was down in 1920 to only about 15. There were also GAR posts in New Point, Westport, Clarksburg and Sardinia that closed as members became feeble or died.

On Memorial Day Union Army veterans met on the Courthouse lawn and marched to South Park Cemetery to honor all veterans, especially their Civil War comrades. It isn’t difficult to imagine the noble old soldiers faithfully marching from the square to the cemetery. It isn’t hard to imagine the memories they carried with them..

If you’re at South Park Cemetery for the Memorial Day service, notice the cannon in front of Soldier’s Circle. The Government donated it to the GAR post in 1897. The post paid $31 to get it shipped to Greensburg.