Over 200 patrons gathered at the Sturgeon Bay Fire Department on Monday, May 26th for a special ceremony of remembrance. The crowd was filled with veterans, families, and young children, who all came together to honor the fallen for Memorial Day.
“This Memorial Day observance is one of the most important annual events in our city,” said Mayor David Ward, “we as a city come together to recognize the sacrifices of the many generations to preserve us as a free nation.”
The Peninsula Symphonic Band played a variety of patriotic music as guests arrived. At 10a.m., the service began with a warm welcome by Door County Veterans Service Officer, Beth Van Oss, and The Star Spangled Banner, followed by a revenant moment of silence.
Chaplain Bill Karas with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1130 spoke about the importance of reflection and gratitude and said:
“This Memorial Day is a special time to pause, reflect, and honor the men and women who gave their lives to our country. For our churches and faith-based communities, it offers a meaningful opportunity to come together in prayer lifting up the fallen, comforting the grieving, and seeking peace to our nation; and know Lord, we give thanks for the American way of life that we enjoy today. Let us not forget that the rights and privileges we enjoy have blood on them and that every good gift was bought and paid for in human sacrifice.”
A bell then tolled for each fallen veteran from Door County as their name was called. Upon calling the final name, there was a traditional rifle salute and sounding of the taps.
