Memorial Day in Crystal Lake

I think it was the cartoon of the folded flag that inspired me to attend the Memorial Day parade and ceremony at Union Cemetery today.

The Memorial Day raising of the colors at Crystal Lake's Union Cemetery.

The Memorial Day raising of the colors at
Crystal Lake’s Union Cemetery.

The photo above is probably the best one of the day, but I’ll post others as the afternoon goes on.

Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley was the master of ceremonies.  He is seen here as taps are played at the end of the service.

Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley was the master of ceremonies. He is seen here as taps are played at the end of the service.

Part of the crowd that came to the Memorial Day ceremony in Crystal Lake.

Part of the crowd that came to the Memorial Day ceremony in Crystal Lake.

Unlike at my brother-in-law Mike Peters’ military funeral in Church Hill, Maryland, taps were played twice after the twenty-one gun salute at the Crystal Lake Memorial Day ceremony.  Michael was last posted as a Chaplain at Washington’s Naval Yard.  He died of kidney cancer.

Two Veterans placed wreaths before the Union soldier memorial.

Two Veterans placed wreaths before the Union soldier memorial.

Diana Kenney, the President of the Crystal Lake Historical Society told of the renovation of Union Solider Memorial.

Crystal Lake Historical Society President Diana Kenney explained that over $60,000 had been raised to repair the Union Soldier Cemetery Memorial.

Crystal Lake Historical Society President Diana Kenney explained that over $60,000 had been raised to repair the Union Soldier Cemetery Memorial.

Both the invocation and the benediction was given by Immanuel Lutheran Chruch’s Associate Pastor Pastor Erik Neider.

Pastor Erik Neider, from Immanuel Lutheran Church, gave moving prayers at the beginning and ending of the Memorial Day ceremony.

Pastor Erik Neider, from Immanuel Lutheran Church, gave moving prayers at the beginning and ending of the Memorial Day ceremony. Mayor Aaron Shepley is seen on the left.

Remembering those who died in combat is the reason for what used to be called Decoration Day.

I snapped this photo of Albert Rosenkrans tomb stone as I walked from the parade to the Memorial Day ceremony.  The flag in front of it indicates a Veteran is buried there.  The writing indicates he served in the Civil War in 1861.  Since he was born in 1846, I wonder if he was a drummer boy.

I snapped this photo of Albert Rosenkrans tomb stone as I walked from the parade to the Memorial Day ceremony. The flag in front of it indicates a Veteran is buried there.  He served in the Civil War from 1861-65. Since he was born in 1846, I wonder if he was a drummer boy in the beginning of his service.  He died in the year that World War I ended, 1918. His wife’s name was Elizabeth.

Also catching my attention after the parade were these sunglasses.

Flag-themed sun glasses.  I could not pass up.the opportunity to take a photo.

Flag-themed sun glasses. I could not pass up.the opportunity to take a photo.


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