Genealogists help tell veterans’ stories in Malcolm, Pleasant Dale

MALCOLM and PLEASANT DALE, Neb. (KOLN) - The Lincoln Lancaster County Genealogical Society helped arrange the life stories of heroes who are buried in Malcolm and Pleasant Dale. On Memorial Day, the two communities gathered in both cemeteries to hear the biographies of deceased heroes from their area.

“As a veteran, we are not good about telling our own stories, so it’s left up to people like Sheila Spath, and the researchers at the Lincoln Lancaster County Genealogy Society,” said Teresa Shane, co-vice president for programs and education. “Some of the veterans will have very detailed information. You may be able to find the entire compiled service record of your veteran, and that may be all there is, but some of these stories have been repeated within the community.”

Spath is a member of the Malcolm Cemetery Association who partnered with the Lincoln Lancaster Genealogy Society. At this year’s Memorial Day Services, the genealogists and an American Legion member read the stories of a Garza Revolution soldier, WWI veterans and WWII veterans.

This tradition began last year, when Spath organized Civil War soldier poems and life stories, instead of traditional Memorial Day speeches. The positive response from the community kept this tradition going.

“This is small town USA. It’s a lot of people who believe in the country,” said David Ficke, a veteran from Pleasant Dale. “We learn a lot when we hear things like this - stories of the past that we never knew.”

To arrange these accounts, Spath and the genealogists dig through military records, newspapers and letters.

“Dear folks, I told some of the boys they would have to tie a rope to my leg to keep myself from throwing myself overboard,” read Sinda Dux, vice president for membership. “I was so seasick.”

The researchers also rely on stories from friends and family who are still living in the small communities.

“My dad’s name is Wesley F. Brooks Senior,” said Debbie Brooks Berg, daughter of the Malcolm veteran. “He spent 30 years serving the country, and it’s nice to see him get some recognition and appreciation.”

After the Memorial Day service at Malcolm Cemetery, community members could walk past the gravestones and read yellow signs with more details about the deceased servicemen. Then the American Legion Post #354 took the presentation to the Pleasant Dale Cemetery. The Malcolm and Milford bands played music throughout the service, and two young community members presented the Pledge of Allegiance in sign language for deaf attendees.

“Hearing their names being said and then going through their stories - it’s really important to remember and honor them as people too,” said Haley Brhel, a Pleasant Dale Auxiliary member.

The Lincoln Lancaster County Genealogical Society has a library with over 8,000 materials at 2900 O St. in Lincoln. The nonprofit provides classes, resources and programs for anyone with an interest in history. You can visit their website to learn more about their services or donate.

Click here to subscribe to our 10/11 NOW daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.