Alpena veteran reflects on Memorial Day holiday

ALPENA, Mich.— For many veterans in Alpena, Memorial Day has certainly been different this year, but one thing that has remained the same is the message behind the holiday. Ronald Smith is a native of Alpena who served in the Korean War 67 years ago.

Smith was just 20 years old when he was drafted and discharged two years later. After returning home and starting a family, Smith worked for the Alpena Power Company for over 40 years.

Smith has even participated in the Veterans of Foreign Wars nonprofit organization. Like many other veterans, the Alpena native has celebrated every Memorial Day by taking part in traditional festivities held throughout the community.

Due to COVID–19 many of those events were canceled. Smith says, “Even through things have changed today it still feels good to have served his country.”