Ironwood gathers to remember veterans

IRONWOOD — Even though rain cancelled the parade portion of Ironwood’s Memorial Day celebration, the remainder of the ceremony continued as residents gathered Monday to remember those who died while serving their country.

The ceremony began with the performance of a number of patriotic or spiritual songs by both a vocal chorus directed by Denise Woodward and a hand-bell choir directed by Gail Hellier, as well as the placing of American flags at the head of several symbolic graves.

The music was followed by prayers and finished with the entire audience singing “God Bless America.”

Following a short break to allow for setup, the ceremony resumed inside the Memorial Building with the portion that was intended to be held in Riverside Cemetery until rain forced it indoors.

Following an invocation by the Rev. Rob Jurkovich, Ironwood Mayor Kim Corcoran addressed the audience.

Corcoran spoke about the importance of remembering veterans and those who gave their lives in past conflicts.

“They fight in popular and unpopular wars in countries all over the world, they carry the American flag and the ideals and values for which it stands. They sacrifice family, friends and their lives to serve this country,” said Corcoran. “The New Testament tells us there is no greater love than to give your life for another, our fallen comrades have demonstrated that love and that is what Memorial Day is all about.”

Corcoran urged those in attendance to remember the purpose of the holiday and honor those who died for their country.

Corcoran’s address was followed by representatives from the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary laying wreathes in front of the “graves” that served as stand-ins for the cemetery.

The wreathes represented the various conflicts that America has fought in from the Civil War to the present conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. A wreath was also placed on behalf of the Gold Star Mothers.

The ceremony culminated in a battlefield salute to fallen comrades, performed by Vietnam veterans Gary Kusz and John Rundquist, and a 21-gun salute.