Allegan’s Color Guard of Veterans led the parade from Downtown Allegan up Ely and Arbor Streets to Oakwood Cemetery. Following the Guard, marched the Allegan High School Band. Once attendees were assembled, Master of Ceremonies Pete Antkoviak moved into the program with the Rev. Chris Laughlin giving the invocation and the Boy Scouts presenting the flag and leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
Maddie Antkoviak, with backup from mom Sue, “Letters from War”. Cecelia Antkoviak shared “In Flanders Field” by John McCrae before Pete delivered a heartfelt reminder using some of Abraham Lincoln’s words that we are the living dedicated to those who have gone before us. “We can remember and reflect on the fact that their cause was greater than themselves. We morn their loss while celebrating their lives.”
After the placing of wreathes in remembrance of soldiers serving in each War, three rounds of rifle fire could be heard, the band played and taps echoed through the cemetery.