'Honor their memory'

By JASON JUNO

[email protected]

Ironwood - Ironwood honored those who died serving their country with its annual Memorial Day observance Monday.

The day started with a parade that went from the Memorial Building to the Veterans Monument at the Post Office, where wreaths were placed, to Riverside Cemetery, where a ceremony was held.

Six percent of the total population has served in the military; that number rises to 10% for Gogebic and Iron counties, Lt. Col. David Manki, U.S. Army (retired) the ceremony's speaker, said.

"In World War II, 2,100 people from the city of Ironwood, Ironwood Township and Erwin Township served in the military and 103 of them were killed in action. Names we all know," Manki said. "Today we honor their memory and we pledge that their lives, their sacrifice and their bravery will be justified. We ask again that no other generation of young men and women will have to repeat their sacrifice."

The Luther L. Wright band performed numerous songs, including the national anthem, and a Memorial Chorus sang several others.

Wreaths were placed at the cemetery to represent wars the country has fought. Flowers were thrown into the Montreal River for the naval spray and a rifle salute was performed. Flowers were placed on the lawn by children in recognition of those who gave their lives and missed the joy of children.

Ironwood mayor Kim Corcoran spoke about the importance of the day.