Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Richard Jenkins/Daily Globe JAMES GHELLER hangs a wreath on a cross representing the U.S. Coast Guard Monday in the Hurley Cemetery during the city's Memorial Day ceremony.
Richard Jenkins/Daily Globe VFW POST 1580 Commander Ricky Marchant addresses the crowd at the Hurley Cemetery Monday during the Memorial Day ceremony.
HURLEY - Although the coronavirus pandemic cut some of the traditional aspects of the event, the Hurley community came together to mark Memorial Day Monday.
With no parade due to the pandemic, Monday's ceremony began in the Hurley Cemetery. VFW Post 1580 Commander Ricky Marchant reminded those assembled to enjoy their weekends and the extra time with loved ones, but to also remember the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives serving their country and their families.
Reminders of the coronavirus pandemic remained present throughout Monday's events - as some participants and spectators wore masks and American Legion Post 58 Commander Ronald Zyck referenced those members of the military who lost their lives due to disease while serving their country.
"Approximately 1 million men and women of the U.S. military have lost their lives in the defense of our nation since the founding of this great republic. Not all have died from enemy fire, some have died from diseases that too often festered around war zones. Oftentimes, deaths from disease and accidents outnumbered causalities caused by enemy weapons," Zyck said, referencing deaths from yellow fever and flu in the Spanish-American War and World War I. "These men and women could have isolated safely in their homes, but they knew they have an important job to do - a mission to accomplish. They were all on a mission to serve. Even when the enemy is an invisible virus or a microscopic germ, the sacrifices made are just as meaningful. The U.S. military has already lost service members to COVID-19.
"This Memorial Day, as we continue to honor those who fell for us in battle, let's also pause to remember those who have also sacrificed their lives while serving others."
Zyck spoke after an invocation by Father Frank Kordek and brief introduction. After Zyck's speech, Robert Morzenti, with Vietnam Veterans Chapter 529, read the roll call of local veterans who died since last year's ceremony.
Wreathes were then laid on crosses for the branches of the U.S. military, a firing squad performed a volley salute and "Taps" was played. Kordek then led a benediction and the honor guard retired the colors to end the ceremony.
