Ironwood remembers fallen soldiers

IRONWOOD - Beginning in the Ironwood Memorial Building and ending in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood residents gathered to honor members of the military who have died, Monday, as part of the city's Memorial Day Service.

The day's events began in the Memorial Building with renditions of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "Gods of our Fathers," by the memorial chorus, as well as solo performances by Robert Burchell, Sue Pallin and Alyssa Schwab. The ceremony ended with the entire group singing "God Bless America."

After the singing and placing of American flags at the Memorial Building, there was a parade to the cemetery. At the cemetery, several speakers, including Ironwood Mayor Annette Burchell, spoke about the purpose of the holiday.

"So today we join with communities across this great land to decorate the graves of our fallen comrades with flowers and wreathes. We gather to honor and remember all of the millions of American soldiers - men and women - who have died both here and abroad in military service to our country while defending our freedoms and our ideals," Burchell said, after recounting the history of the holiday. "We must never forget the sacrifices they, and their loved ones, made in the name of duty, honor and country.

"We honor and remember the over 50 American military servicemen and women who died while in active duty just in the last 12 months alone."

Wreathes commemorating the various conflicts the country has been involved in were then placed in the cemetery.

Roses were also placed at the memorial in the cemetery in memory of those who "gave their lives and missed the joys of their children."

These were followed by a "Battlefield Salute," performed by Vietnam veterans John Runquist, Dale Tornberg and Gary Kusz.

The ceremony ended with a playing of taps, a benediction by Bob Cannon and the National Anthem by members of the Luther L. Wright High School band.