The final Memorial Day ceremony from the steps of the county courthouse in Leland was marked by a crowd of about 150 people Monday morning.

Courthouse steps in Leland

“It’s the last time we’ll hold this service at this location,” said ceremony organizer Richard Schmuckal, who told the crowd that next year’s event and the veterans’ memorial will be moved to Suttons Bay Township when construction on the new governmental center is completed and the county seat is relocated from Leland.

Chris Buday of Grand Traverse County, a commander with the U.S. Naval Reserve who recently returned from deployment in Iraq, was the keynote speaker. He talked about the contribution that soldiers who lost their lives in armed conflict have made to ensure that all Americans can enjoy freedom, equality and justice.

“Reflect on their sacrifice and the ideals they believed in that make this country so great,” Buday told the crowd, many of whom were waving American flags.

Buday served in Iraq as a member of the U.S. Marine Expeditionary Force. He is also director of public works for Grand Traverse County.
Uniform-wearing members of the VFW Post 7731 of Lake Leelanau, American Legion Post 120 of Eagletown, and American Legion Post 199 of Maple City were part of the ceremony. A 21-gun salute was performed by the Post 199 color guard.
Alan Aldrich, post chaplain of 7731, gave the opening prayer. Jim Cox played Taps, and the ceremony concluded with a rendition of God Bless America.