GRAND HAVEN, Mich. — "We have gathered to cherish the memory of our heroic dead," George Bennett said before the adjutant read the name of lost soldiers.
The World War II veteran served as Grand Marshal for the Grand Haven Memorial Day parade and services. The parade route started at the intersection of Washington Avenue and N 6th Street and ended at Waterfront Stadium.
"It's a normal day except for when patriotic days come along and you get that yearning to be in uniform," Bennett said.
Following the parade, a crowd of a couple hundred people gathered at Waterfront stadium for the first ceremony. The Grand Haven High School Band accompanied the service.
The crowd thinned for the next two ceremonies at the Veterans Memorial and Lake Forest Cemetery.
The community is really appreciative of veterans, said Duane Smith, chaplain of American Legion Post 28.
"It's one of the best atmospheres that I've seen," Smith said. "We had a lot of community participation, a lot of remembrance and honor."
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