LANSING, Mich. — On Monday, communities throughout Mid-Michigan gathered to observe Memorial Day, paying tribute to those who served in the armed forces and to the soldiers who never returned home.
More than a hundred attendees gathered at Glendale Cemetery for the 31st annual Meridian Memorial Day service. The Meridian Community Band performed the national anthem as local scout troops presented the colors in a solemn ceremony.
Vietnam veteran Ron Springer, who served from 1970 to 1971, shared stories of two young Michigan men who lost their lives in service to the country. Springer, who initially sought to leave his time overseas behind, became deeply involved with families of fallen soldiers following the events of 9/11. Speaking at the ceremony, he expressed hope that his speech would revive the memories of those lost.
“Some of the family members here today have lost a son or daughter, but they’ve lost somebody — and that is with them 24/7, 365 days a year,” Springer said. “I’m a veteran, and I think about all these that we’ve lost. So on Memorial Day, I want to try to make two soldiers come back.”
In Dansville, residents lined the streets to watch the town’s annual Memorial Day parade, with some attendees recalling decades of participation dating back to the 1970s.
While the parade brought moments of smiles and camaraderie, veterans interviewed by 6 News shared a common thread of mourning for friends lost in service, whether during the Vietnam War or more recent conflicts.
David Metter, who served from 1998 to 2005 and was stationed in Germany for four years, remembered the comrades he lost. “I have a few buddies that didn’t make it back home,” Metter said. “It was tough, tough days.” He singled out one friend, Specialist Moonhill, whom he met in Germany and grew close to before his untimely death.
Metter stressed the importance of ensuring future generations understand the sacrifices made. “I want my children to know the people I served with meant a lot to me — they kept me safe,” he said. “And make sure they know it wasn’t all for nothing.”
Vietnam veteran Eugene Murawski, who served from 1969 to 1970, also reflected on the lasting impact of loss. He recounted losing a close friend during combat when a bomb detonated in a bunker, killing him instantly. Murawski emphasized that even those who return home carry heavy burdens.
“I’ve had quite a few friends who went to Vietnam and came back, fortunately,” he said. “But they are affected by it, so it does put a pretty hard burden on people.”
As Mid-Michigan communities came together to honor their fallen, the stories shared and memories revived served as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war — and the enduring gratitude owed to those who serve.
