Memorial Day events cancelled

ALPENA, Mich -Memorial Day will look and feel very different this year for many residents of Alpena as the usual way of honoring veterans has been cancelled.

While many were looking forward to the ceremony beginning at the courthouse, followed by the days events, they have had to accept that this year will be drastically different.

Director of Veteran Affairs, George Stevens, said some of the traditions missed will be the Alpena High School band playing the national anthem at the courthouse followed by the walk down Ninth Street where a wreath is usually placed in the river to honor those who died in war.

He also said this year at Flanders Field a speech would have been given by retired General Burt Francisco and at the courthouse Judge Edward Black.

Stevens, who is influential in making these events possible, expressed his disappointment with the cancellation but encourages everyone to come out to Flanders Field to view flags placed on the graves.