From NOW …
Everhart Van Eimeren was killed when the artillery gun he was operating exploded, probably from a defective shell.
Everhart Van Eimeren was serving in Wisconsin’s 32nd Red Arrow Division when he was killed on Aug. 29, 1918. He and two other soldiers died when the artillery gun they were operating malfunctioned and exploded. The American Legion post in South Milwaukee is named for Van Eimeren. (Photo: South Milwaukee American Legion Post)
Maurice O’Brien, 17, was lying in woods when German shells started falling on his position, killing him instantly. John Libecki, 24, died in a gas attack.
Three Wisconsin soldiers who fell far from their South Milwaukee homes were buried near their battlefields and eventually came home to be laid to rest in the same cemetery.
The South Milwaukee American Legion Post named after Van Eimeren has scheduled a remembrance ceremony on Wednesday exactly 100 years after the 19-year-old soldier’s death.
Join the remembrance at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 29, the centennial of Van Eimeren’s death. The event will feature a short program, 21-gun volley, taps and laying of wreaths at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery near the intersection of East College Avenue and South Lake Drive in Cudahy. Wreaths will be laid at the graves of Van Eimeren, O’Brien and Libecki.
Thanks to Mr. Ludka and the entire post for all they do to to continue to honor our veterans, those living and some long since passed.
The post celebrates it 100th anniversary in 2019.
John Libecki
Maurice O’Brien
Everheart Van Eimeren (second row, left in photo on right)
South Milwaukee Blog 