In Memoriam

Community pays respects to fallen Marine

By ABIGAIL ROSE ANSON/Telegram Correspondent

CLARKS - Respect, honor and care seemed to be the theme of the community as they lined the streets of Clarks. The flags, like the people, came in all different sizes, from big to small and old to young.

“The flags you are holding are not toys. They are a symbol of respect,” said Shane Strobel while speaking with the youth of Clarks, Polk and Hordville.

Tuesday morning many people gathered on Clarks' Main Street in order to recognize and show respect to Lance Cpl. Brent Zoucha, who was killed in Iraq June 9.

As Brent's funeral was taking place down the street at St. Peter's Catholic Church, people gathered in the Clarks Fire Hall to discuss what was about to take place. “This is something you are all going to remember 20 years from now. Let's make it worth Brent's while,” said Shane Strobel.

See photos here.

Many baseball teams from the area as well as cheerleaders from High Plains High School and veterans from local posts all gathered to hold flags to honor Brent.

“We are holding these flags to show our support for our troops and to honor the people, like Brent, who have died for our country,” said Logan Engel, a Clarks baseball player.

Tara Tonniges and Amanda Hanquist both went to high school with Brent. Tuesday they stood on the streets of Clarks, holding flags and wearing their red, white and blue cheerleading uniforms.

“It is a sign of respect. When his family drives by after the funeral, they will see the flags and know that our community respects and cares about them,” Tonniges said.

Bill and Joyce Kuhn stood in front of Clarks Public Library with their flags.

“We have always lived in Clarks, and we know the Zoucha family. Brent was in the same class as our grandchild,” said Bill. “We have a son who is in the service and had been over in Iraq, so we kind of know the feelings that the family might be going through. We are holding these flags to show the Zoucha family support, to honor Brent and to let them know that the community cares.”

Many fire departments from around the area met in Clarks to show their respect. Silver Creek Fire Department, Central City Fire Department and Fullerton Fire Department were there as well as the departments from Clarks, Polk and Hordville. Different veteran posts also were present. Eddie Gdowski, sergeant of arms, said that his group was there to “represent our post and honor a departed veteran.”

Many people had stood in the street for more than two hours before it was time for the procession to come through. The community was ready to show their respect. Hats came off, hands went over hearts, and American flags flew high in the sky.

First, military men came through, then many motorcycles and then the Zoucha family. As they rounded the corner to Main Street you could see the honored expressions on their faces as they saw the street painted with red, white and blue.

Several minutes and many cars later the procession was over. The community folded their flags and headed to the burial of their fallen soldier - Lance Cpl. Brent B. Zoucha.