Commander Jeff Spickelmier saluting at the North Webster Memorial Day service

NORTH WEBSTER — Monday, May 30, the 2016 Memorial Day marched into North Webster with a parade on Main Street transitioning into a commemoration service at the North Webster Cemetery.

The parade was led by the North Webster Sergeant at Arms and the Honor Guard, followed by the Wawasee Middle School Marching Band and the Boy Scouts. The police and fire departments and the sheriff staff drove on their cars, waving to the public that watched from the side of the street.

The crowd then followed the parade to the North Webster Cemetery and gathered around the podium where Commander Jeff Spickelmier opened the Memorial Day service.

Chaplain Russell Chandler said a prayer and performed “Some Give All” to honor those who died in battle. The leader of the Boy Scouts performed The Pledge of Allegiances, followed by the national anthem sung by The Wawasee Middle School Marching Band.

Chaplain Michael Friese, who was awarded the Outstanding Chaplain of the Year by the United States Air Forces, was then invited to the podium.

Chaplain Friese stressed the importance of remembering those who fought for the country and considering their lives as an impact on ours. He reminded to reflect on the “bigger picture,” what comes after life.

At the end of the service, the Honor Guard fired the 21-gun salute and Chaplain Chandler sang “God Bless The USA.”