Memorial Day is commemorated to remember the lives lost and the fallen heroes.

The third annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park brought men and women to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.


Patriotic music kicked off the event followed by the posting of the colors by local students, the national anthem, prayers, and a speech made by Colonel (Ret). Jeremy Crist. He served 30 years in the U.S. Army and was deployed four times. 

Crist described what it meant to play a role in Monday's ceremony and see so many veterans from different wars represented. "It's really great to see such a variety of ages and really from the past 50-60 years out here. Because the United States has been involved in a number of conflicts and seeing people from Vietnam and the global War on Terrorism. It's nice that everyone can come together and as one brotherhood of service men and women and of course the family and friends supporting them. It's a day like today where we can honor our fellow soldiers."

Local veterans also shared what it meant to see this event grow.

Bob Nelson, a Vietnam Veteran said, "I'm glad to see the support. I've got several bricks here that we have put down. The Vietnam Veterans Association. But this has grown immensely. I have about five to six bricks and it goes all the way out to the street so that means the people of Erie County support the veterans."


The ceremony concluded with a final roll call, Taps and Amazing Grace.

The North Coast Brass also performed.