GLADSTONE, Mich. (WZMQ) – In preparation for Memorial Day, Gladstone American Legion Post 71, Sons of the American Legion, and community volunteers place flags at the graves of veterans in Fernwood Cemetery.
“We’re paying our due respects and honors to the veterans who have passed away so that we can do this,” said Navy veteran George Maciejewski. “It’s a service that we feel is necessary for their memory for what they’ve done for our country.”
Hundreds of flags line the burial sites of every honorably discharged veteran, whether they were killed in combat or passed away after returning home. When volunteers were done, graves with flags outnumbered the ones without flags in some parts of the cemetery.
“I think it’s the patriotism that the people have in the U.P.,” Maciejewski said. “They figured, ‘We want this country to be free,’ and that’s why they did what they did. They did give up their time and their families for a period of time to defend our country, regardless of where they were called.”
The American Legion will meet at Fernwood Cemetery at 10 a.m. on Monday for its annual Memorial Day service.
“We lower the flag,” said Maciejewski. “The Gladstone School Band will play taps, do a couple of patriotic songs. It’s a rather short service, but it’s a very emotional service.”
Legion members hope the community will join them in honoring their local heroes.
“Just notice how many flags are out here, how many veterans have served their country, giving them the opportunity to come out,” Maciejewski said. “If it wasn’t for them, who knows what would be happening?”
All are invited to attend the American Legion’s ceremony. Fernwood Cemetery is located at CR-420 in Gladstone.
