The morning concluded with a Memorial Day ceremony on Front Street in New Richmond.
“It was wonderful,” Ralph Shepherd, one of the members and organizers, said about the Memorial Day events. “We had a big turnout at all the cemeteries, a big turnout in Moscow at the monument, it was very nice.”
Shepherd said the group began around 8 a.m. and visited 16 cemeteries and five monuments from New Richmond to Moscow ending in New Richmond for a remembrance ceremony.
“This group did a marvelous job on all of our cemeteries,” Shepherd said during the ceremony.
Several government officials, including New Richmond vice-mayor Richard Hilt and State Senator Tom Niehaus, spoke during the ceremony.
“On behalf of the mayor and the village council I’d like to thank everyone for coming to the memorial day remembrance,” Hilt said.
Senator Niehaus, a New Richmond resident, also welcomed everyone to the ceremony and stressed the importance of Memorial Day in America.
“Today it is important we take a moment and stand in silence,” Niehaus said. “And appreciate those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today.”
After taking a moment to remember the lives lost, Shepherd recognized several of the New Richmond veterans in attendance including veterans from World War II, a Pearl Harbor survivor and more.
“We have veterans from all branches here,” Shepherd said.
John Hale sang during the ceremony and one of the veterans also read a poem entitled “Forget Me Not.”
Jacob Zuleger, a junior at Felicity-Franklin High School, played Taps during the ceremony, and said he volunteered to play Taps for several ceremonies on Memorial Day.
“I think it is important to show my thanks to people who provide for our country,” Zuleger said.
Zuleger had played Taps 15 times on Memorial Day including at several cemeteries, memorials and parades.
“I wanted to provide my service,” he said. “If it weren’t for them I wouldn’t be able to.”
In addition to those involved in the ceremony, several residents also attended the event, including Larry and Toni Colonel.
Both Larry and Toni lost family members in the military and came to the ceremony to remember them and support all who have served.
“It’s a shame more people don’t come out,” Larry Colonel said about the ceremony. “I don’t think our veterans get enough thanks and praise.”