Anyone feeling sorry for themself about current global circumstances was put in their place Monday during a drive-in Memorial Day service in Hartley.

Iowa Legion Department Commander James Kessler's keynote address reminded attendees they still have it pretty good compared to America's servicemen and women, both past and present. Noting current social distancing guidelines and other rules that have recently restricted movement to slow the COVID-19 pandemic, Kessler said the perceived hardships were nothing when weighed against the sacrifices made by our country's bravest.

"How tough is that for three months our movements have been restricted? How tough is it in a warm house?" he asked. "You have hot food to eat, a nice bed to sleep in, a drink that is fresh, a fresh cup of coffee each day. You do not have to look over your shoulder to see who is sneaking up behind you while at the same time being prepared for the unexpected."

Kessler's speech was heard over car radios and large speakers. Due to COVID-19, local Legion members were forced to hold the drive-in service in lieu of the traditional program at Pleasant View Cemetery. Visitors stayed in their vehicles and tuned in from the Hartley Community Center's parking lot while Legion members broadcast from inside.

Kessler said that while the situation was indeed out of the norm, it didn't mean Americans should forget the more than 1 million men and women who died protecting our freedoms and liberties.

"Sadly, none of these men and women who have died in service to this nation can be replaced," he said. "Their service can be never understated or repaid."

Kessler urged those in attendance to recognize the deep hole left behind by each person who laid down their life in the line of service.

"The Americans who have lost their lives in service to this country have not done so in vain, but for a bigger and more noble cause to not only America, but to the world," he said. "They understood the need to defend their country and turn back the enemy who desired to take away those most prized possessions called freedom, democracy, independence, and one's own right to choose how they wanted to live and wanted to do with their life."

Once again pointing to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kessler said today's minor inconveniences are small peanuts compared to what the nation's defenders have faced in battle or as prisoners of war.

NICK PEDLEY/SENTINEL-NEWS

Hartley American Legion Commander Roy Wohlert observes a moment of silence during Monday's Memorial Day ceremony.

"We have nothing to complain about," he said.

Kessler closed his remarks by emphasizing the American ideals of justice, freedom and democracy.

"We always need to honor, remember and recognize those who chose to bear the sword for this country," he said. "We need to be thankful for their service and sacrifices, but there's something else we need to realize. We have the responsibility to carry on. We cannot let those deaths be in vain."