MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Veterans and residents paid their respects on Memorial Day at Ralya Elementary School in Haslett as speakers reflected on their service to the armed forces.

The program was dedicated to post members of the Legion, Sons of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Those who are familiar with The Legion know they are dedicated to volunteering their services to communities to assist veterans and raise millions of dollars to support charities. Commander James Bliss gave the welcome at the start of the ceremony, and later, remarks about preserving American values and illustrating the importance of the First Amendment.

At the end of the ceremony, Bliss commented by saying, "Last year we honored and talked about what we gained, from those that gave their life, this year we talked about what we lost. As a veteran, it reminds me of those I knew that lost their lives, and it's one way that we never forget their sacrifice. They're not here with us physically, but they're here with us spiritually."

At the Glendale Cemetery in Okemos, speakers made note of the impact that fallen veterans have on the living, especially noting that their sacrifices enable those they left behind to continue forward. Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, retired JAG Officer of the Michigan Army National Guard, was the guest speaker at this ceremony.

After the service, Aquilina said, "I was raised to believe that America is the best country in the world, the strongest country in the world, and without the flag, without wearing the uniform, defending our nation on American soil and beyond, we have no country."

These annual events are a reminder that Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for loved ones that sacrificed everything. Residents were also encouraged to participate in a moment of silence at 3pm local time out of respect for our fallen heroes.