The American Legion Post 226 honor guard honored those who gave their lives for their country. A Memorial Day ceremony was held today at Milford Cemetery. InkFreeNews photos by Phoebe Muthart.

By Phoebe Muthart
InkFreeNews

MILFORD — The Milford community lined Main Street Monday, May 29 for the annual Memorial Day Parade, featuring local veterans and the Ancil Geiger American Legion Post 226 honor guard.

The parade featured the Milford Lions, a 4-H Club, Milford Food Bank and, of course, numerous emergency response vehicles, among others.

Following the parade, the Legion held a ceremony at Milford Cemetery to “honor and pay respects to our comrades who have departed this life,” said Steve Wilson, Legion Post 226 Chaplain.

“We honor those today who have given their lives,” he said to the crowd.

During the Milford Cemetery ceremony, the honor guard was joined by Wawasee High School student D.J. Stump, who is a senior and the late Stanley Stump’s grandson. He performed taps.

The Wawasee High School marching band was also on hand to perform “Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America.”

Wilson read The American Legion Memorial Day prayer.

“O, Lord, we give you thanks for the American way of life that we enjoy today. Let us not forget that the rights and privileges we enjoy have blood on them and that every good gift was bought and paid for in human sacrifice. Today, we honor all who have gone before us and made the supreme sacrifice,” Wilson said.

“Lord God, on this Memorial Day, be thou’ our guide and wisdom to our president and government leaders as they lead this nation to create peace throughout our world and nation and community.”

Wilson added, “We humbly ask to protect our nation from external attack and internal decay. Make us all aware, O’ God, of our responsibility that rests upon us to create peace in our own hearts, in our homes, and in our relationships with others. Lead us, inspire us, make us your people to become a nation that truly is blessed by you.”

Wilson also read the names of those veterans, who are from Milford, who died in the past year.

This patriotic float was one of several in this year’s Memorial Day parade in Milford.

The Milford Lions Club Memorial Day Parade float.

This cutie rode in the Milford Memorial Day parade today.

Children lined the streets hoping to snag a sweet treat.

A float of military veterans led the 2023 Milford Memorial Day Parade.

This youngster rode in a firetruck in the Milford parade.

Steve Wilson, the Legion Post 226 chaplain, read a Memorial Day prayer and the names of those veterans who died in the past year who are from MIlford.