COLDWATER, MI — Former Mayor Jerry Ford, who led Memorial Day services in Coldwater for over two decades, delivered the main address at Four Corners Park on Monday, May 25.
After experiencing a stroke and other health challenges, Ford expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate and shared uncertainty about how many more he could attend.
Ford emphasized that Memorial Day is not only to honor those who gave their lives in service to the United States, but also to recognize those who served and returned, continuing to protect the nation’s freedom.
Mayor Tom Kramer said, “I want to thank Jerry and the many individuals who work hard to keep this tradition alive. Their efforts to acknowledge those who have served are appreciated, and events like this make our community a wonderful place to live, work, and raise our families.”
With one of the largest parades in recent years, the ceremony continued at the Coldwater River, where a wreath was placed in the water to honor those who served and gave their lives in the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard.
Ceremonies moved across the U.S. 12 to Oak Grove Cemetery, where Flag Hill can be seen from the highway as traffic drives west.
Ford explained that the “Gathering of Flag War Memorial” began as an idea in 2004 and now stands with granite markers honoring those from Coldwater and all of Branch County who lost their lives in past wars.Names—and, for recent wars, portraits—are engraved on the stones.
The memorial exists to “honor, commemorate, and serve as a lasting tribute to all those who served in war, were killed in action, died from battle wounds or disease, or went missing in action.”
Constructed from donations from a proposal from Freeman Riddle, crosses are placed up the hill for Memorial Day.
On Monday, at the top of Flag Hill in Oak Grove Cemetery, six local living veterans were honored for their service to our country with plaques.
Following the ceremonies, the Branch County Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence sponsored a free luncheon at American Legion Post 52.
Contact Don Reid, dReid@USATodayCo.Com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Coldwater’s Memorial Day honors veterans
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
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