The Leelanau Township Memorial Day program in Northport was a wonderful community event and a wonderful tribute to area veterans, especially those who lost their lives defending our country. The event began with a rolling taps through Northport, leading to the program at the cemetery. Many thanks to the volunteer buglers, and to the Northport Community Band and the Village Voices who provided uplifting musical accompaniment to the program.
Stef Staley was the emcee for the event. Reverend Lynn Frye from Trinity Church in Northport gave the Invocation and Benediction. Many thanks to Scout Troop 131 who did a great job of bearing the flags in the Processional, raising the American flag and then folding it at the end, and raising the flag of each military branch during the Armed Forces Salute by the Band.
There were two speakers. Paul Sloan read portions of the Declaration of Independence, giving insight into the events and careful thought that led to the creation of our democracy. He was followed by Justina Hlavka, an Air Force veteran, who gave a powerful and moving tribute to the nation’s fallen veterans.
