Communities gathered to remember those who have served and paid the ultimate sacrifice
NORTHERN MICHIGAN -- Thousands of people across Northern Michigan took time to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives defending our freedom.
Monday is Memorial Day and across the region, communities gathered for parades and other celebrations to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
"It’s a day of remembrance. I’ve been to Iraq a couple of times and seen soldiers die in current conflicts, both to remember them and those before," said US Army Captain Arthur Brong.
Brong was raised in Boyne City. He's on leave for the holiday weekend. Monday, he spent time with his two kids and hundreds of Boyne City residents to show respect to the men and women who have served and have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
"There aren't really words to express how you should feel and how I feel when it comes to being thankful to these people for everything they've sacrificed," said resident Suzi Ross.
Boyne City's parade was followed by a Memorial Day service. Flags of the United States Military branches were raised high above the city.
"A lot of us are living because they helped us and helped give us freedom," said Girl Scout Jordin Gellis.
Cal Deming is a Marine who turned 86 years-old today. Local Boyne City Girl Scouts helped him raise the Marine Corps flag.
"Those people went before us and died for us, those are the heroes," Deming said.
"It means a lot because some veterans fought and some veterans did nothing but help out in the wars," said Girl Scout Melina Goodwin.
Downtown Alden streets were shut off for their Memorial Day parade. Veterans were saluted as they passed and dogs wearing American Flags assisted the older American Heroes.
"You got to stop and think, you know, it gives you a since of pride, to be part of the Armed Forces. I was a solder, that's all, that's the way it goes," said World War II Veteran Ike Sanger.
The Veterans for Peace set up more than 200 memorials at the Open Space in Traverse City to remember Michigan men and women who were killed in combat.
"It’s an important part for the community to be out here and be a part of it," said Petoskey resident Tracy Shanley, who watched the parade go through Downtown Petoskey.
Thousands lined the streets in Petoskey to applaud the service men and women and wave American Flags. The parade route lead to Pennsylvania Park, where the names of fallen men and women who have died in the past year were read aloud.
"My buddies that I left there, they died so we could live," said Wilbur Ingalls, a World War II Ranger.
The day meant everything for Ingalls. He survived four major World War II battles and knew a lot of men who didn't make it home.
“There's never a day that I don't remember them and you wonder why me, why did I make it?" said a choked-up Ingalls.
American Heroes were honored today, and they're remembered every day, and we give thanks for the sacrifices you've made for the country we all love.
