05/29/12 Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed annually in the United States on the last Monday of May.  Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.  Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union soldiers who died in the Civil War.

   On Monday morning citizens in Marshall County continued with the tradition of gathering at the Court House for the laying of a wreath at the Veteran’s Memorial.

   It was noted that two local soldier’s names will be added to the memorial, Stg. Major Jeffery A. McLochlin and Staff Sgt. Justine M. DeCrow. 

Although the names have not yet been engraved on the monument, plaques with their photos were added to the landscape.  Another ceremony will take place at a later date when the engraving is compete.

   Dozens of residents then traveled down South Michigan Street to the Yellow River Bridge where members of the VFW, DAV, and American Legion paid tribute to the men and women who lost their lives at sea by tossing a wreath into the river.

The largest tribute was held at Oak Hill Cemetery.  The Pride of Plymouth High School Band was on hand with hundreds of citizens who came to remember and honor.

    Mayor Mark Senter read a portion of “For The Fallen” a poem by Laurence Binyon.         They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

   Guest speaker for the event was Carlos Arambulu from Gary.  A veteran who served in Viet Nam as a radio operator and machine gunner, he received numerous combat metals.  He is also the Past DAV Chapter Commander.  Due to the extreme temperatures his remarks were extremely short.

   Although Memorial Day was created to honor our fallen hero’s many people use it as a day of remembrance of the loved ones they have lost.