This past Memorial Day, I went to a couple of ceremonies around Mid-Michigan honoring veterans and those who have died to defend our country. I started out in Linden, with our intern Miranda Richardson. The VFW Post 4642 hosted a moving memorial through the streets of downtown Linden. There was a flower lying ceremony on North Bridge Street, followed by members of the post walking with the Linden High School Marching Band to the Fairview Cemetery. The service at the cemetery was a true showing of appreciation for fallen soldiers. The Linden community, like many communities in Mid-Michigan and all over the country, showed up en-mass to pay their respects and honor true heroes. Gary Mahnke, of VFW Post 4642, even arranged an Air Force flyover. There was a three volley salute and the Linden High School Band played the national anthem. After the service we got to chat with some of the members of VFW Post 4642. We met Herb Jacques, who is a WWII vet. He and all the post members were proud of the Linden community for the support that they showed for those who serve or have served.
We then headed to the Veterans Memorial in Swartz Creek for a ceremony hosted by AMVETS 3720 Post. If you haven’t seen the Veterans Memorial in Swartz Creek, it’s very impressive. They have bronze statues representing every branch of the military. We were told by Dennis Kramer, a Navy veteran from Swartz Creek, that they’re adding a Coast Guard statue soon. The service was great; with bag pipes and another three volley salute, followed by taps. Once again, many people in the community were at the memorial to show their respects for those who have given the supreme sacrifice.
As a photojournalist for NBC25, it’s my job to tell stories. This Memorial Day, I was happy to let the veterans tell the story.
