Memorial Day is upon us on May 25. First a bit of history.

One of the first known Memorial Day recognitions was held in Charleston, South Carolina in May of 1865. Former slaves decorated the mass grave of Union soldiers that were buried at a former horse racetrack. Other towns also claim to be the first to honor soldiers that had died in service to their country. As the tradition spread through the years, Memorial Day was initially called Decoration Day because fallen soldiers’ graves were decorated with flowers in a show of deep respect for their service.

Throughout America’s history, men and women have stepped up to defend America and what it stands for. Their love of America and their families means so much to all of us. “All gave some, some gave all” is a proper explanation.

This past year, Staff Sergeant Nate Howard of Marshalltown gave all, leaving behind a young wife, families and friends. Let us not forget Nate in our thoughts on this day. We owe a debt to this family that cannot be repaid.

It is my hope that all people living in Marshalltown and Marshall County take a bit of time on Monday to pause and reflect on the meaning of “some gave all.”

“This nation will remain the home of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave”

Elmer Davis

This week I spent 3 days in Washington D.C. with the American Flood Coalition (AFC). Our goal was to urge our Senators and Representatives to vote for a new FEMA bill being considered. We know storms are increasing in number and strength, costing huge amounts of money. FEMA needs to get better.

Mayors from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, Alabama and Florida attended plus 4 from Iowa. Marshalltown, Decorah, Columbus Junction, Riverside and a City Councilor from Cedar Rapids.

The new FEMA bill being considered allows for local elected officials to make decisions on the ground after a disaster without waiting for a mountain of paperwork to be approved by FEMA.

Currently, if a disaster hits, cities must draw from our own budgets initially, and begin filling out the mountains of paperwork hoping that FEMA will approve of the expenses and eventually pay. Example: Cedar Rapids is waiting for over 4 million dollars from FEMA due to flooding from 4 years ago that was approved, but has yet to be paid. Cedar Rapids had to cancel or delay projects for the city that were ready to go.

Also in the bill, a much quicker reimbursement for cities and counties so both can return to their regular finances. We met with Senator Grassley, Senator Ernst’s people, Representative Miller-Meeks, Representative Feenstra’s office and Representative Hinson’s office. Two days after meeting with our group, 3 of the 5 had signed off on the bill with the other two likely to do so soon.

FROM THE MAYOR’S THINK TANK

Mia from Mrs. Meraz’s class at St. Francis thinks that Marshalltown needs more ice cream trucks.

I’m not arguing that!

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Mike Ladehoff is the mayor of Marshalltown.