AUGUSTA, MI — In a steady downpour of rain, Fort Custer National Cemetery presented its annual Memorial Day ceremonies for the community on Sunday afternoon. In remarks throughout the event, speakers also honored the significance of this year’s ceremonies commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Cereal City Concert Band provided musical selections, and Fort Custer Honor Guards performed military honors.
This year’s keynote speech was delivered by Samuel Brown, a veteran currently serving as Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In his speech, Brown focused on the importance of American service members in the country’s early history.
“The American Revolution was a long struggle, and so were the years that followed,” Brown said in his remarks.
“Time and again, over 250 years, American patriots have been there to protect the peace in our republic.”
Ceremonies concluded with the showcasing of memorial wreaths presented by several service organizations from around the area.
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Fort Custer National Cemetery hosts annual Memorial Day ceremonies
Reporting by Becca Mahon, Battle Creek Enquirer / Battle Creek Enquirer
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