Veterans honored at Marquette cemeteries

Marquette residents gathered Monday at two local cemeteries to celebrate the memory of those who have served our country.

The Park and Holy Cross Cemeteries were the sites of two Memorial Day services held to recognize Veterans past and present. Several area service organizations banded together to put on the ceremonies, which were well attended by citizens of all ages.

“They really look forward to coming out here for Memorial Day services,” said American Legion Post 44 Commander Carl Morrison. “We have a great turnout at Park Cemetery, and we had a great turnout here at Holy Cross Cemetery.”

In addition to placing wreaths on grave sites to honor the memory of fallen members of various military branches, soldiers were also given a gun salute.

“We must continue to honor our Veterans on Memorial Day. All Veterans, whether they’re living, whether they’re still on active duty or, like myself, I’m a former Veteran, and the community and everyone should come out and honor the Veterans,” Morrison added.

“Everybody should honor the people that have protected this country of ours, and that’s basically what it’s all about,” said Fran Hyska, Exalted Ruler of the Marquette Elks 405.

After the Memorial Day service completed, the Holy Cross Cemetery held a mass for those interred at the site.