Memorial Day observance held in Sturgis

Skylar Gottschalk
·1 min read

Sturgis VFW and American Legion posts put on a parade and ceremony for the Sturgis community Monday to honor fallen service members.

Memorial Day events began with a parade from VFW on Fawn River Road to Oaklawn Park, where a ceremony took place.

Sturgis High School's marching band, directed by James Whitehead, opened the ceremony with "The Star-Spangled Banner." As the band played, Marvin Shields, retired Michigan National Guard, raised the flag to the final position, then back to half-staff, to honor the fallen.

Guest speakers included Tom Abney, Ron Bolte, Jack D. Coleman, Rod Millard, Jeff Mullins, Larry K. Richardson, Mike Stiles and Dave Webb. To conclude the ceremony, the band played several songs, followed by Taps, performed by two members of the Sturgis band, and a gun salute.

Rod Bolte gave the benediction. Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts assisted at the ceremony.

For additional photos from the Memorial Day events, see our photo gallery, bit.ly/3GwcFol.

Community members attended a Memorial Day observance in Sturgis.
Community members attended a Memorial Day observance in Sturgis.
Members of Sturgis American Legion and VFW led Monday's Memorial Day parade in Sturgis.
Members of Sturgis American Legion and VFW led Monday's Memorial Day parade in Sturgis.
Sturgis High School's marching band took part in the Memorial Day parade in Sturgis.
Sturgis High School's marching band took part in the Memorial Day parade in Sturgis.
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts helped with Monday's ceremony.
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts helped with Monday's ceremony.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: News