Memorial Day in Stockbridge: A Day of Remembrance
Memorial Day, May 28, in Stockbridge marked a day of family, of remembrance and of honoring those who gave their lives for the preservation of democracy in the USA.
Photo credit: Judy Williams
Cub Scouts provide one flag for every service person who gave the ultimate sacrifice for his or her country, by conflict.
Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority volunteers prepare barbecue chicken in advance of 10 o’clock Memorial Day Services, May 28. L-R: Josh McAlister, Jeremy Towler, David Tracy, Cody Deladurantaye, and Tim Moore
Master of Ceremonies William Cool launches the program and leads the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. During his Memorial remarks, Cool states that 82,000 soldiers are still missing in action since World War II.
Chief of Police Johnnie Torres, Jr. and Post Commander Jerry Kunzelman look on.
The color guard advances at Mackinder-Glenn Post 510.
As retired Air Force Hillary Vogel delivers the Memorial Address, she pauses to collect her emotions and speaks of the “service and sacrifice of our nation’s finest.” Her reading of the poem, “In a Mother’s Eyes” by Andrew Dean left no eye dry.
Village Council President Molly Howlett thanks the various groups whose contributions build a strong and healthy community.
Ron Hodder coaches EMS trainees Jacob Hudson, Kael Youngblood, and Victoria Rattai in preparation for the parade’s passing.
The parade pauses at the intersection of downtown Stockbridge while Pat Devine and Pat Harden stand guard at the Civil War Monument at the Township Square.
The parade, formed at the American Legion Hall, proceeds north on Clinton Street and East on Main Street as a crowd lines the Township Square.
Members of American Legion Post 510 carry the colors with pride.
Carl Manoogian steps away from the paused parade to lay a wreath at the Civil War Monument in the Township Square, thereby honoring fallen soldiers.
After laying the wreath at the Civil War Monument, 92-year-old Carl Manoogian (L), accompanied by Richard (Dickie) Burton (R), returns to the parade procession in order to continue marching toward the cemetery. Pat Devine (far left) and Pat Harden (far right) stand guard.
Post 510 members march on toward Oaklawn Cemetery.
Members of Post 510 catch a ride in the blazing heat as the parade moves down Clinton Street.
SHS marching band honors those who paid the ultimate price with musical selections featuring trumpets, flutes, drums and more.
Oxen in traditional wooden yokes pull the Chapman Family Farm float.
92-year-old Carl Manoogian relaxes in a bit of shade after the Oaklawn Cemetery ceremony.
Elwin Breneiser and Rick Fusina share a moment in support of their brethren.
Carl Manoogian (R), accompanied by Richard (Dickie) Burton (L), lays a wreath at the Veterans’ Memorial Monument in Oaklawn Cemetery.
Bill Cool stands by as Rick Fusina reads the invocation.
Russell Schuchaskie reads roll call of more than 200 deceased local veterans from World War I and WWII.
As Stan Daily reads roll call of late Korean, Vietnam, Gulf War, Sons of Goldstar mothers, and Peacetime veterans, he pauses to add the name of recently deceased Vietnam veteran Ron Collins.
Chaplain Elaine Tisch reads the benediction.
Jerry Kunzelman (left) leads the Salute to Veterans Post 510 firing squad.
Flowers decorate the gravestone of US Army Corporal Robert McCreary, a father and husband remembered and missed.
Rachel and Alex Avis hold patriotic pinwheels as Rachel eats a cupcake from Kneading Something Sweet bakery. Photo credit: Lissa Avis.
Father Sean Sanford and his son Alexander Sanford play Taps in duet.
Alexander Sanford joins his father Sean Sanford in a duet of Taps.
