Hundreds gathered at the Manitowoc County Veteran’s Memorial under clear skies and 70-degree weather for the annual Memorial Day Celebration, which was aired on WOMT.
The Manitowoc Marine Band and the Clipper City Chordsmen filled the air with the sounds of remembrance and honor as those in attendance reflected on the millions of lives lost in combat over our country’s history.
Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels, as is his yearly tradition, recited the Gettysburg Address, uttered by President Abraham Lincoln on the still blood-soaked Civil War Battlefield.
County Executive Bob Ziegelbauer called Memorial Day a time to not only remember but also a time to say thank you.
He also noted, “Many of the succeeding generations are tempted to take for granted that foundation of freedom because people like these veterans answered your country’s call many years ago.”
While many use the extra day off of work to grill out and spend time with family, Assemblyman Paul Tittl spoke about the true meaning of the day.
“Throughout history, tyrants have threatened freedom and [have] thrown this world into turmoil,” he said. “However brave men and woman have gone forward from all parts o f our land, and have fought to defend our freedom, even to the point of death.”
Numerous veteran groups were also on hand to raise the flag, lay a wreath of flowers at the base of the Eternal Flame, and for a 21-gun salute, while men, women, and children alike stood at attention in honor of the fallen heroes who made our freedom possible.
