Members of the Warsaw Community High School Junior ROTC Color Guard stand watch during the presentation of the commemorative wreath.

WARSAW — The Zimmer Biomet Veterans Resource Group held a commemorative Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony today, May 21, at Center Lake Pavilion.

Guests of honor Paula Fiscus and her daughter, Gabrielle Fiscus, representing Gold Star Families from the state of Indiana, presented the memorial wreath during the event. The memorial wreath is presented in honor of all the service men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of freedom.

A Gold Star Family designates that a member of their family was lost during combat operations. Army National Guard Maj. Michael “Todd” Fiscus was deployed to Afghanistan in 2005 to support Operation Enduring Freedom. He deployed as a member of the 76th Infantry Brigade.

Fiscus and three fellow Indiana National Guard soldiers were all killed on March 26, 2005, when a land mine detonated beneath their vehicle.

“Today we honor this American hero’s selfless sacrifice and service, and the sacrifice of his family,” said Zimmer Biomet’s  Jim Waldrop during the event.”

Zimmer Biomet’s Ken Tripp presented the event’s commemoration speech.

“Thank you all for attending today’s event,” said Tripp. “It’s very, very emotional, and it’s meant to be. This is truly what Memorial Day is about. Paula and Gabrielle, words can not adequately describe how much we appreciate you being here to honor your husband and father Maj. Fiscus, as well as honoring the two of you for your strength, patriotism and willingness to participate in today’s event. It means a lot to us.

“We appreciate anyone and everyone who runs towards the danger and is willing to put others ahead of their own self-interest. That trait in character is becoming more and more difficult to find nowadays,” said Tripp. “Memorial Day serves two purposes — one to honor those who have fallen in their service to our country, and the unofficial beginning of summer for those of us who live in the north. Special events like this and ones happening across the country serve to remind American’s across the continent that we get to enjoy this three-day weekend because we had people who kept this nation intact.

“As you take in (Memorial) Day, enjoy your family. Remember those loved ones who have passed,” Tripp continued. “I would ask you that you take time to remember families like Paula and Gabrielle’s who would trade anything for another day with their husband or dad. You need to count your blessings and make a toast to absent friends and family. We can never forget what so few did for so many.”

A combined Zimmer Biomet Orchestra and Warsaw High School Band provided patriotic music during the event. Also participating in the event were members of the U.S. Army Color Guard, the local VFW and American Legion chapters and local police and first responders.

The hope is that this event will become an annual event in Warsaw.

For information on other upcoming local Memorial Day ceremonies, click here.

Paula Fiscus and her daughter Gabrielle Fiscus escort the commemorative wreath with Travis Christman.

Local veterans and community representatives thank Paula and Gabrielle Fiscus for their family’s sacrifice.

Zimmer Biomet’s Ken Tripp presented the event’s commemoration speech.