It is highly appropriate that today, Flag Day, has been selected for a special plaque dedication ceremony honoring the first Iowa soldier to die in combat in World War I. Private Merle D. Hay was also one of the first three American soldiers to die in the Great War on Nov. 3, 1917 near Bathlemon, France. All three of those men were members of the F Company 16th Infantry Regiment, and at 10 a.m. this morning, the 16th Infantry Regiment Association will perform the ceremony at West Lawn Cemetery in Glidden. The public is encouraged to attend.
