To the editor:

The family of Pvt. Palmer S. Haraldson would like to express our thanks to:

The mayor of Fort Dodge, Matt Bemrich, for proclaiming June 22, 2016, Pvt. Palmer S. Haraldson Day and for requesting flags to be flown at half-staff for both Tuesday and Wednesday, June 21 and 22; the Patriot Guard Riders, the Fort Dodge Police, Webster County sheriff’s deputies and the Iowa State Patrol for escorting Pvt. Palmer S. Haraldson from Des Moines Airport to Fort Dodge on June 21, and the Patriot Guard Riders and the Fort Dodge Police for escorting him from the funeral home to the cemetery on June 22; Members of Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines as pall bearers, for the flag folding ceremony and the 21-gun salute; bagpiper Ron Husted; the VFW for providing the honor guard and a reception hall; Becker Florist for the gift of flowers; Candies & More for providing sweets prior to the memorial service; Funeral Director Tim Kulow of Bruce Funeral Home for extraordinary service; City Editor Bill Shea of the Fort Dodge Messenger for excellent news articles.

And to all the veterans, Marines and Marine spouses, and citizens of Fort Dodge and the surrounding areas for their participation in the service and processions, we give you our heartfelt thanks.

Carolyn Redding

San Clemente, California