The Ancil Geiger American Legion Post No. 226 color guard fires volleys during the Memorial Day service at Milford Cemetery immediately following the parade. They were joined by Cub Scout Pack 3747 and Wawasee Marching Band. InkFreeNews photos by David Hazledine.

By David Hazledine
InkFreeNews

MILFORD — The Town of Milford honored the memory of men and women from all branches of the armed forces with a well-attended parade down Main Street Monday, May 30, followed by a service at Milford Cemetery. Both events were led by the Ancil Geiger American Legion Post No. 226 color guard and officiated by Chaplain Steve Wilson.

Speaking before the Milford parade, Wilson welcomed the crowd with a brief speech honoring “those from Milford who laid down their lives for our freedom in this great country … We wave flags, shoot guns, salute and pray to remember specifically those of the Milford community who gave the last full measure of their lives for this great nation. For if we forget to honor those of our own community who bought our right to pursue life, liberty and happiness, we will surely fail to raise a new generation capable of understanding, or sacrificing to continue this grand experiment into the next generation.”

Following a volley from the color guard, the parade commenced, after which a ceremony was held at Milford Cemetery, where Wilson said a prayer to “pay respects to our comrades who have departed this life … grant that we all appreciate and treasure the freedom that is our gift and our heritage, and that we may never forget the great price at which it was purchased for us all.”

Wilson also asked God to “watch over the veterans of this land, inspiring them to serve You and this country in ever new and creative ways. Comfort our ill and wounded comrades who languish in hospitals or homes. Lighten their burdens, relieve their suffering and pain, restore to them the blessings of health again.”

A moment of silence was observed “for all those who have given their lives in service of our country,” before a wreath was presented at a marker for those veterans. A volley was then fired, followed by a hearing of Taps.