Roughly 100 people were in attendance at The Manitowoc County Veterans Memorial, across from Evergreen Cemetery on Memorial Day to honor those men and women who paid with their lives to keep America free.
Many of the men and women who gathered were veterans, including the only remaining WWII veteran in Manitowoc County, Harold Kumer.
Kummer and the others in attendance listened to several speakers, including Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels.
His words were those of gratitude to the fallen.
“The names on the wall behind us and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice did more than that,” he said.“They gave their life to you and I. People they didn’t even know. For a cause for our freedom to be able to be here today. No greater love is that then those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for you and I, men and women they didn’t even know so we could be here today.”
County Executive Bob Ziegelbauer addressed the crowd by saying words sometimes aren’t enough.
“We solemnly remember the sacrifice of the men and women who have paid with their lives to keep us free,” he said. “We understand that words alone can’t do justice to those who we remember today as we try not only to commemorate their sacrifice but to fully appreciate its importance.”
25th District Assemblyman Paul Tittl’s comments were those of unending gratitude.
He remarked, “Thank You to each one of you for coming out today to pay tribute to the men and women who’ve given their lives defending our country. If it were not for their willingness to serve, even to the point of death, we would not enjoy the freedoms that we have today. If you’ve lost a loved one in service to our country, as your friend and neighbor we stand here today and say Thank You.”
Manitowoc County Veterans Service Officer Todd Brehmer reflected on the true meaning of this holiday.
“Today used to be called Decoration Day and then it was changed to Memorial Day,” Brehmer explained. “As we have a long weekend and everybody kind of enjoys the unofficial beginning first day of summer, I just ask that we still try to keep today’s day as a Memorial Day to where take some and just remember and thank those that answered our nation’s call and didn’t return home.”
Musical selections were played by The Manitowoc Marine Band and sung by the Clipper City Chordsmen.
Approximately 2,800 Manitowoc County veterans are laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery, located right across the road from where the ceremony was held.
