ELY – Hundreds of residents attended Memorial Day services at the Ely Cemetery on Monday. The traditional event was sponsored by VFW Post 2717, American Legion Post 248, and the American Legion Auxiliary.
The brief program, broadcast on WELY 94.5 FM, opened with a welcome by Master of Ceremonies Steven Saari, commander of American Legion Post 248, who stood in this year for Tony Rechichi, VFW Post 2717 commander, who participated in Honor Guard duties.
Bagpiper Joe Linnemann played America the Beautiful and Yankee Doodle, followed by an invocation by Helen Koski, reader at First Lutheran Church. Gerald Tyler, adjutant, Legion Post 248, recited the Roll Call of Departed Comrades.
The placing of the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was presented this year by the family of veteran Robert Niskala, who passed away earlier this year. Ely area Scouts and American Legion Auxiliary members also participated, while Linneman played “Amazing Grace.”
The featured speaker this year was David Merhar, Colonel, (Ret) U.S. Army. Koski presented the benediction following the keynote address. Grace Erickson, Ely High School senior, sang the National Anthem and America the Beautiful.
The Ely Honor Guard presented a rifle a salute to the Honored Dead. Taps was played by Ron Forsman.
Volunteers placed nearly 1,200 American flags on the grave sites of veterans at the cemetery on Saturday.