A Memorial Day parade and service took place in Gobles Monday morning, May 30. Gobles armed services veterans marched in the parade, as well as many other units, including the Gobles High School Marching Band. Courier-Leader photos/Paul GarrodVan Buren County Veterans Service Director David Krzycki was guest speaker at the 102nd Paw Paw Memorial Day Parade and Service. Krzycki told the audience of more than 400 who gathered, “We must not forget that it was the average citizen who fought for this country from Lexington and every battle, conflict, or war till today. And they did not want to die for this country, they fought to defend it with purpose, selflessness and, in that honorable and selfless quest…. gave the ultimate sacrifice. We must honor them today by justifying their sacrifices, their honor, and their valor for as long as God gives life to this nation, our prosperity, and our way of life. Thank you to our fallen heroes, who shall ever remain in our prayers, and acknowledged with eternal gratitude.” Courier-Leader phot/Paul GarrodOn Saturday, May 28, Navy veteran Jerry Pearson, formerly of Lawrence, seated in wheelchair, helped secure a new American flag from the Lawrence American Legion Hess -Eastman Post, of which he is a member, for Maple Lake Assisted Living, Paw Paw. A service for the new flag was held at Maple Lake Assisted Living, Pearson’s new residence. Members of the Lawrence American Legion Hess-Eastman Post and the ladies’ Auxiliary took part in the ceremony by helping place 21 small flags in the grass around the tall flagpole from residents in honor of deceased residents of the Paw Paw assisted living residence. Courier-Leader photo/Paul GarrodRevolutionary War veteran William Dyckman was remembered Monday, May 30, following a Memorial Day service. Members of the Paw Paw American Legion fired a volley for the soldier who was born Dec. 9, 1761 and died Sept. 6, 1816. He is buried in Pioneer Cemetery, Paw Paw. Courier-Leader photo/ Paul GarrodOver 1,200 luminaries were lit on Memorial Day, Monday night, at the Lawrence Area Veterans Memorial at Hill Cemetery. State Sen. Aric Nesbitt was guest speaker and said that his father served three tours in Vietnam and “would only give my siblings and I select glimpses of his time during the war. Preparing for a family trip to Washington, D.C. I remember asking my dad if he planned to come with us – he was a dairy farmer, so he rarely was able to get away. My dad solemnly told me in a quiet voice: ‘There is only one reason why I would go to Washington. It would be to see the Vietnam Memorial. I couldn’t bear it. They’re all still just 19 years old, I’m not.” Sen. Nesbitt continued, “It took me a few years to realize precisely what my dad meant – yet I know I can never truly fathom his experiences.” Courier-Leader photos/Paul GarrodMembers of the Waters-Hackenberg Post 220 took part in a Memorial Day service at Oak Grove Cemetery in Lawton. The morning service also including the laying of wreaths. Photos courtesy of Lisa ShanleyWorld War II veterans Ted Major, left, and George Guritz, assisted by Pastor Ben Bowater and Ron Douglas, Sr., place wreaths at Maple City Veterans Memorial Park during a Memorial Day service held Monday May 30. Following the service, Major paid tribute to his fallen comrades by placing his fingers on their names etched on a plaque. Courier-Leader photos/Paul Garrod
