COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Memorial Day was filled with ceremonies and parades yesterday across Branch County and the nation as many paused to remember those in the United States military who paid the ultimate sacrifice and died in service to their country.
It was a partly cloudy and cool setting at the four corners in downtown Coldwater where observances were held with the morning events continuing including those at Oak Grove south cemetery and the official dedication of the Gathering of Flags War Memorial which was established in 2004.
The featured speaker downtown was Sharon Atkinson, a retired officer from Coldwater with 20 years of service in the Navy and 10 more in the reserves. She said Monday was a day for her to remember her brothers and sisters in arms, asking how can you ever thank a family member enough for the life of their loved ones that will never come home.
Following her remarks, there was the traditional 21 gun salute and the playing of taps.
In other events, Branch County Sheriff John Pollack was the keynote speaker for the Bronson American Legion’s annual Memorial Day ceremony at Bronson Memorial Park while observances were also held in Quincy and Union City.
