In a program planned by the Slatedale Cemetery Association, four churches participated in a memorial service on May 30.

The four churches that contributed to the choir are Holy Trinity Lutheran, Good Shepherd United Church of Christ, St. Peter's United Methodist Church and Salem United Methodist Church. Linda Eberhardt provided the music.The program began as The Rev. James Robison of Good Shepherd introduced Victoria Lear. She sang the "Star Spangled Banner.Robison said it was the 70th year for the service, and said, "We take this opportunity to gather to remember those who have served our country well."Dennis Zeigler, president of the American Legion Post 16 Memorial Day committee, said we should not remember the war dead with anguish because they would not want our sympathy. But that does not mean they should not be remembered since it is because of them our lives are free.His talk was followed by a gun salute and the playing of "Taps."The men and women who served in the various branches of service were asked to stand and be recognized as the choir sang the individual service anthems.Robinson said he remembered the old trees in the cemetery and "we could us them now." However, things change - but one thing he said did not change is that the Rev. David Hess has been at Holy Trinity and Heidelberg Union churches for a long time.Hess said the death of Osama Bin Laden, who was responsible for the twin towers being destroyed in early May 2001, was met in many ways. For some it was a time of rejoicing and for others a time of respectful silence.What was missing was closure. One family that was interviewed said it brought back all the anger and that there would never be closure.He said closure has become an emotionally tying up of loose ends. For those who lose loved ones in the military there is no closure because they cannot be brought back.Hess said there are three responses that can be taken: faith, recall memories or realize we continue in a pattern set before us.He said when he attended a seminary in Gettysburg he lived in a former hospital. One day reenactors came from the North and the South."They came together not with arms but with hugs and handshakes," he said." It helped them move on. There is hope, joy, the Lord and the future."Robison said for the 150th anniversary of the battle at Gettysburg people should remember the sacrifice in all wars because we reap the benefit.Lear sang "God Bless America" and everyone joined in the singing of "Faith of Our Fathers," followed by the Benediction.