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Alpena remembers America’s heroes

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz A Girl Scout from Alpena throws a wreath into the Thunder Bay River to honor the brave soldiers who were lost at sea. She was escorted to the water by a pair of Marines.

ALPENA — America’s brave men and women who were killed during combat would have been proud of the people of Alpena on Monday, as hundreds of people lined the roads and sidewalks to see the annual Memorial Day parade, and then gathered at Little Flanders Field where this year’s Memorial Day memorial was held.

There were also above average turnouts at a morning ceremony at the Alpena County courthouse, and at an event at the shore of the Thunder Bay River, honoring the brave men and women who were lost at sea

Last year, the annual event was invitation only, as gathering restrictions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 were in place. That wasn’t the case this year, as those in attendance proudly spoke and sang each word of the Star Spangled Banner, and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Some sniffles and a few tears were evident when the VFW Post 249 Honor Guard conducted its rifle salute, and Bob Sullivan played Taps to close the event.

This year’s guest speaker was John Leask Jr., who served in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz A pair of officers from the Alpena Police Department salute while Taps plays at a ceremony honoring the men and women who were lost at sea on Memorial Day in Alpena.

Leask said on Memorial Day, citizens of the United States remember and pay tribute to the brave who sacrificed their lives while serving in the military, but he said it is also important to acknowledge the families of the fallen, who are reminded of their loss daily.

“Too many mothers, fathers, and children feel the immense weight of seeing an empty chair year round and for them, Memorial Day brings to the forefront what is always in the shadows and in the background. Their courage and grace after such an unimaginable loss are inspiring.”

At many points during the ceremony, there was applause, whistles, and a few shouts of USA, as the crowd was more engaging than in years past. The size of the crowd was the topic of conversations for many veterans, as well as those who were there to honor them.

James Whittler said although he never served in the military, he makes a point to always attend the annual parade, and ceremony at the cemetery. He said his father is a veteran, as was his grandfather, and uncle. Whittler said he was saddened that last year’s event was cancelled, but is proud of his fellow residents in Alpena for coming out en masse this year.

“This is awesome,” he said. “To see all of the people wearing red,white, and blue and all of the flags and the patriotism, it is just awesome. This is the most people I’ve seen at the ceremony, and I come almost every year.”

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Dozens of motorcycles made their way through the Avenue of Flags on Monday during a parade along the Thunder Bay River. The parade concluded at Little Flanders Field, where the annual Memorial Day ceremony was held.

The parade route was changed a touch this year, to accommodate the extra traffic on the detour in Alpena, to accommodate for the closure of Bagley Street and the ongoing construction on the bridge. Local service groups, boy scouts and girl scouts proudly marched with their elders, and dozens of motorcycles graced the parade’s end, they utilized the bi-path to get to the cemetery, as people waved and took photos and videos.

All of this was done in the midst of the Avenue of Flags, which features hundreds of American Flags set up around town.

The Avenue of Flags is a project supported by the Alpena Kiwanis Club and Alpena Booster Club.

Tabitha Jones said everytime she sees the flags, whether she is walking through them, or driving by, she can’t help being taken aback by them, and what the flag stands for.

“It really is breathtaking when you see all the red, white, and blue waving in the wind,” Jones said. “Our flag is a symbol of our freedom, and everyone should be reminded how lucky they are to live in America whenever they see one.”

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Dave McQuarrie and Yvonne McQuarrie placed a wreath in remembrance of those lost during the Spanish American War during the annual Memorial Day ceremony in Alpena on Monday.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz The VFW Post 249 Honor Guard fires their rifles during Monday’s Memorial Day service in Alpena.

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