A heavy air of sadness gripped those in attendance.

On Memorial Day Monday, a day set aside to remember the fallen, they said this one was almost too much to handle.

After nearly 20 years, the much-loved veteran Army chaplain - always the one to offer words of comfort - was gone.

The Rev. Jim Greaser was missing from the memorial service at Sky-View Memorial Park, Lafayette Avenue, Hometown, and his absence cast a pall felt by everyone.

"I'm lucky if I can get through my speech," said Captain Joseph Shamonsky, U. S. Army (Ret.).

"Jim Greaser is the reason I started coming to this service."

Keynote speaker Shamonsky, of Hometown, said Greaser "was a very good friend and neighbor."

Greaser was a veteran with 22 years of service. He died at home suddenly and unexpectedly last October at age 64, leaving the community searching for answers.

Shamonsky fought back tears as he spoke, pausing at times when he choked with emotion.

The sentiment was shared by another veteran, event organizer Dale D. Kline.

"I don't know if I ever faced a Memorial Day with more anguish," said Kline, calling Greaser "truly amazing" for his devotion to helping others.

"I don't know of a more dedicated veteran," he said.

The Rev. David Grant called Greaser a "doer" who spent his time and personal resources helping veterans.

"Take a moment today to think a kind thought of Jim," said Grant. "Maybe say a thanks to God for sharing Jim Greaser with us. You are out of sight but always in our thoughts."

Greaser wasn't the only one whose death left scars on those left behind.

Shamonsky spoke of of the recent loss of WW II veteran Vern Balliet of Hometown who passed in April at age 93.

"He was here every year and sat underneath the tree," said Shamonsky.

The service was kept short but was deeply moving.

Kline said Sky-View is now the resting place of 3,256 honored dead.

The memorial service was sponsored by the Isganitis, Heckman, Messerschmidt Post 973, American Legion, Quakake.