More than 100 people paid their respects to the men and women who have served the U.S. as members of the military at the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Little Flanders Field in Alpena.

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Tucked behind the chapel at Evergreen Cemetery, overlooking the Thunder Bay River, Little Flanders contains rows of white crosses, each one bearing the name of an Alpena-area military member who died in combat.

As the crowd watched quietly, military members and others placed wreaths at the foot of crosses representing the nation’s conflicts, from the Civil War to wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

News Photo by Julie Riddle Col. James Rossi, commander of the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, speaks to a crowd at a Veterans Day ceremony at Little Flanders Field in Alpena on Friday.

Two people laid wreaths at a monument honoring soldiers who died with their names forever unknown, and others recognized prisoners of war and those missing in action or sickened by Agent Orange.

Veterans placing wreaths snapped to crisp salutes, honoring their fallen brothers and sisters.

In a speech highlighting the work of the U.S. National Guard, Col. James Rossi, commander of the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, commended all military members, in all branches.

Dan Perge, Alpena County veterans service officer, received the Alpena County Veteran of the Year award in absentia.

In a benediction to end the ceremony, Bill Romstadt asked God to pass along to all veterans “our undying gratitude and respect for their service in this great country.”

News Photo by Julie Riddle Attendees listen during a Veterans Day ceremony at Little Flanders Field in Alpena on Friday.

“Heroes come in all sizes, all colors, and all walks of life,” Romstadt said. “But one quality is constant in each one of them: love of God, love of country, love of duty to their comrades in arms, and a firm belief in the principles that they were fighting to defend.”

“They’re the defenders of our freedom,” said veteran Bob Trapp, nodding toward the white crosses as he waited for the ceremony to begin. “These are the people who make us able to live the way we are right now.”

Many in the crowd wore patches, hats, pins, and other evidence they, too, know what it is to offer themselves in service of the country.

Others, who never served in the military themselves, attended the event because they believe remembering and acknowledging others’ services matters.

“Last Tuesday is the reason why it’s important,” said attendee Denny Mayo. Military veterans’ service, he said, “gives us the freedom to vote our own way.”

News Photo by Julie Riddle At a Veterans Day ceremony at Little Flanders Field in Alpena on Friday, Civil War reenactor Thomas Berriman and son Badin Berriman lay a wreath at a cross honoring Alpena-area soldiers killed in the Civil War.

Mayo is not a veteran but attended the event to show his respect for those who did serve.

“Because they went, I didn’t have to,” he said.

News Photo by Julie Riddle Military veterans in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2496 honor guard stand by at a Veterans Day ceremony at Little Flanders Field in Alpena on Friday.

News Photo by Julie Ridd Kristina Anderson sings the U.S. National Anthem at a Veterans Day ceremony at Little Flanders Field in Alpena on Friday.

News Photo by Julie Riddle At a Veterans Day ceremony at Little Flanders Field in Alpena on Friday, presenters salute after laying a wreath honoring soldiers killed in Operation Desert Storm.