GLADSTONE, Mich. (WZMQ) – August Mattson American Legion Post 71 held its annual Memorial Day ceremony Monday morning.
Community members gathered at Fernwood Cemetery, where American Legion members had placed flags on the graves of service members. As the national anthem was sung, local scouts lowered the American flag to half-staff.
The Gladstone High School Band performed several patriotic songs. Following a 21-gun salute to fallen military members, two young musicians played “Taps.”
Post 71 Historian Kendal Kettle says the ceremony emphasizes the importance of patriotism while serving as a tribute to those who are no longer with us.
“We have 1,023 veterans here at the cemetery,” said Kettle, who served in the Army. “They gave the ultimate sacrifice for our nation to keep us safe, to let us enjoy the liberties that we enjoy to do as Americans. We have that because of the people that came before us.”
After the ceremony, Post 71 representatives went to the Gladstone Yacht Club to place a wreath on the water in memory of those who served in the Navy.
