• Members of the American Legion Post 269 spoke about their lives in the military and stories about past fallen heroes.

HASLETT - Members of the American Legion, the Stephen W. Frank Post 269, Auxiliary Sons and the public gathered at Vera Ralya Elementary School in Haslett this morning. The ceremony was put in place to remember, honor and mourn those who lost their lives in the US military, Veterans and individuals currently serving in the military.

The service began at 11:00 am and poppies were given out to people in attendance to wear throughout the ceremony as a symbol of support and remembrance of American troops. The service was dedicated to Post members who have passed away since May 1, 2019.

The speeches given by the Post members during the ceremony evoked many emotions from everyone present. The speakers recounted stories about soldiers who had lost their lives in the military and first-person accounts of their times in the military. To close the ceremony, Nik Buchholz played taps on the trumpet.

Buchholz said he attended the ceremony in the past and taps was being played on a recording, which caused the trumpet player of 11 years to approach the Legion offering to play.

“For me, [Memorial Day is] all about honoring everyone who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Buchholz said. “That’s why I feel like it deserves a live performance.”

Thomas Szedlak, a son of the American Legion, attended the event and said the ceremony was important for the community as a way to remember the brave individuals who helped the country get to where it is today.

“I’m just honored to be here,” Szedlak said. “Honored to hear veterans, like we had in the service today, speak. It’s just really awesome to hear some of the stories and things that went on back when they served and the things they still do to try and promote our freedom for our country.”

After the ceremony, members in attendance were invited to the American Legion down the street for burgers, brats and fries. Veterans and their spouses were able to eat for free and others in attendance could pay $5 for food.

Attendees were encouraged to participate in a moment of silence at 3:00 pm local time to honor and remember our fallen heroes.