Majorie Emerick, adjutant for American Legion Post 223 and Post Auxiliary president, left, and Carolyn Gunder, post commander, lay a wreath during Memorial Day services in Syracuse Cemetery.

By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — With lights flashing and sirens blaring, the annual Memorial Day parade stepped off Monday afternoon, May 27. The parade stopped briefly at Veterans Memorial at Crosson Mill for a wreath tossing ceremony to honor those who died at sea while serving their county.

American Legion Post 223’s honor guard followed the emergency vehicles, which represented Syracuse, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies. There were a number of floats including one featuring Cub Scout Troop 3828 and Syracuse Elementary School’s drum circle.

The parade traveled from Medusa Street up SR 13 onto Main Street and then into Syracuse Cemetery where Memorial Day observances were held. Many lined the streets for the parade, despite the weather resembling more fall than the unofficial start of summer, as throughout the parade, there were grey skies and drizzle.

The skies did brighten and the drizzle stop as soon as everyone gathered in the cemetery to observe Memorial Day services..

“Remember our fallen comrades who gave all for our country,” said Carolyn Gunder, commander of American Legion Post 223, as she welcomed the crowd that had gathered. She introduced Marjorie Emerick, post adjutant and president of Post 223’s auxiliary, who offered the invocation.

The honor guard was called to attention as the Wawasee High School Marching band performed the National anthem. Gunder and Emerick then placed a wreath to honor those who died while serving their country.

Pat Park, a retired naval officer and pastor of Wawasee Heights Baptist Church, was the featured speaker. “It’s a tough day to be here, but there are tougher days,” Park said as he began his remarks.”There was a reminder just the other day that this is just not about having a three day weekend, this is not just about sales, this is just not about the opening of pools and lakes and piers. This is about remembering those who gave their life so we can have freedom preserved in our nation.

“As nations go, we are a young one. As nations go, we know our worth. How do we find the worth of this nation? We find the worth of the nation in the lives given to preserve it. How do you find your worth? Your worth can be found, likewise in the same lives that have been given.

“In the Gospel of John, chapter 15, ‘a greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for a friend. These flags that you see in the cemetery, that decorate the cemetery in May, represent the lives that have been given for your freedom. They represent lives that have been give for you.'”

“As a nation, ours is a short history, but it is a history that is surrounded by a global history. It wasn’t just soldiers, sailors and airman who gave their lives for us, but the son of the very creator, sustainer of all things, gave his life for you so that you could enjoy life here in these United States and enjoy eternal life with him, a savior and friend. It’s true, a greater love hath no one than this that he lay down his life for his friend.”

The band performed “Grand Ole Flag.”

Chris Longenbaugh, vice commander-second district and service officer for the post, read the roll call of the dead in Syracuse Cemetery and cemeteries in the area.

Emerick gave the benediction, the firing party fired three volleys as Isaac Miller from Wawasee High School played Taps.