Merrill Holds Memorial Day Ceremonies Under Blue Skies; Hermening Shares Inspirational Message
The rain moved out and skies were cyan blue on Monday morning as the city of Merrill held its annual Memorial Day ceremonies at Merrill Memorial Park, giving honor to all who gave their lives for our freedom.
Flags were placed at the graves of fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and big flags lined the cemetery’s paths, setting the stage for a memorable spectacle of Patriotism. The Merrill City Band performed a number of patriotic tunes, including a stirring collection of military hymns honoring each United States branch of service.
Keynote Speaker Kevin Hermening, a former Marine who was taken prisoner during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, shared an inspirational message recounting his harrowing experience during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, shared and inspirational message recounting his harrowing experience during that troubling time that included six marines losing their lives in a heroic rescue attempt. Hermening closed his speech with a challenge to all to remember that we are still blessed to live in the greatest country on the planet, because of the many who have given so much for all of us.
