HOPKINS, Michigan — It was a solemn day of remembrance in one West Michigan community.
Despite the rain and chilly May temperatures, many showed up to honor the greatest sacrifices made this Memorial Day at Sandy Pines in Hopkins.
Jeff Sweitzer, president of Sandy Pines, says the event is in its 21st year and is well-supported by its residents.
"We've got a great supporting community, a lot of veterans, and it's just a day of remembrance for what was shed for our nation," he said.
The event kicked off at 9 a.m. with a veteran walk-in, honoring those who have served. That led into an invocation, the pledge, a poem reading, the National Anthem, a 21 gun salute and a moment of silence.
"We have a ton of people fighting for our freedoms. We can't take that for granted. We need to just remember that we're one generation away from losing it, we want to keep that remembrance and keep the fight going," said Sweitzer.
Bart Spencer, a veteran and pastor at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Holland, was their guest speaker. He says it was an honor to be able to speak with the Sandy Pines community.
"There's such an importance in our history... If we don't pass that along, then we won't understand what we have. If we don't understand what we have, then we're not going to fight to keep it," said Spencer.
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