Significance of Memorial Day not lost on Negaunee

NEGAUNEE — The significance of Memorial Day was not lost among Negaunee residents due to their annual observance coordinated by Negaunee’s VFW Post 3165.

The recognition began with a parade downtown featuring law enforcement, local military, along with the city and high school bands. The parade has been part of the city’s Memorial Day activities since shortly after World War I. After the parade, community members gathered at the Negaunee cemetery.

“It was 150 years ago is when they started Memorial Day. It is an ideal time to remember all who made the ultimate sacrifice so we can remain free.”

Speakers, patriotic songs, and stories of fallen heroes filled the cemetery. An aura of respect filled every inch of the grounds where over fifteen hundred flags were placed last week.

“I don’t think there’s a family in the city of Negaunee that doesn’t have a veteran in it. The best way that you can service a person that you had in the military is to fly the flag,” said U.P. Veteran of the Year Thomas Stanaway, “when you do put it out there you will be remembering someone in your family that had served in the service, whether they passed away in the service or not.”

Both the parade and the ceremony at the cemetery are held every year, rain or shine.