Island cemetery. A tradition: an inherited or established way of thinking, feeling, or doing (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Other words that describe this “norm,” are rule, values, custom, legacy, culture, lifestyle, standards. All of these can be used to describe the legacy being honored in this customary ceremony. The community came together on a beautiful May morning. Golf carts and vehicles overflowed the VFW parking lot to line Division Street. Islanders and visitors’ families, happily gathered to express their standards of respect for those who served our Nation.
Kelleys Island Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9908, fellow veterans and active-duty visitors stood together and displayed the culture, values and lifestyle of military service in their presentations and readings. With somber remembrances and prayers delivered by Island Pastors, the purpose of the ceremony was delivered to the respectful community, there to honor the military heroes. Music in song was delivered by The Island Singers under the direction of Anna Lee.
As hats were removed and the flag shown its rightful respect with the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, young and old alike stood their tallest with eyes focused on Old Glory. As we celebrate the 250 years of being The United States of America, we, as a community, value our traditions of recognizing those who came before us and those among us, who serve, in all ways to make the Nation, State, and our island community a blessed place to live.
