Alpena veterans observe Memorial Day
ALPENA, Mich. — After Memorial Day events were cancelled, Commandant for Alpena’s Marine Corps. League, Mark Goss teamed up with the president of the Agent Orange Riders to hold today’s ceremony. They wrote up a proposal to the city council which was approved. “We were sitting there stewing, and we figured just because they cancelled the parade doesn’t mean that Memorial Day is cancelled,” said Goss.
In the interest of health safety the public was not invited to attend. However, dozens of people showed up to honor this country’s fallen soldiers. “It’s their freedom. They can come if they want. Us veteran groups out here are for the community. We live among them. We work amongst the community and I just want the community to know that we are behind them and I like their support too.”
Onlookers watched as these veterans lowered the flag, Taps was played on a bugle, and the gun salute was fired off. Goss says he wants people to take the time today to really think about what Memorial Day is about. “I’m hoping that they take time to sit and think for a minute about why they are able to have their barbecues and reflect just a little bit on the men and women who have fallen for our country.”
162 crosses are displayed to honor 162 people who had fought and died for the United States.
