116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Cedar Memorial hosts 93rd Memorial Day service
May. 30, 2022 4:07 pm
CEDAR RAPIDS — Thousands of U.S. flags blew in the wind Monday across Cedar Memorial Park as the funeral home and cemetery hosted its 93rd Memorial Day service to honor those who have died while serving in the U.S. armed forces.
On this blustery day, the wind nearly knocked over the flag that was posted at the start of the service. An audience member volunteered to stand and hold the flag through the remainder of the ceremony.
Gene Peterson, a veteran and leader in the Quilts of Valor foundation, spoke about the history of Memorial Day and the sacrifices made by millions of Americans who have died while serving in the military.
“They loved their God, fearlessly. They loved their country, clearly. They loved their families. But more importantly, they loved each other,” Peterson said.
The Harmony Hawks sang the hymns of each of the four branches of the armed services, and invited audience members who were veterans to stand when their hymn was sung.
At the end, doves were released to the tune of “Amazing Grace” played on bagpipes.
Hundreds of people attended the memorial service, and many more drove through the park throughout the day to see the more than 1,500 American flags lining the park.
Several other Memorial Day services were offered throughout Cedar Rapids and in surrounding areas Monday.
Comments: (319) 398-8328; emily.andersen@thegazette.com
John Ironside releases his white homing pigeons Monday during the Memorial Day service at Cedar Memorial in Cedar Rapids. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)
U.S. Color Guard member Jesse Nester waits to march forward Monday during the Memorial Day service at Cedar Memorial. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)
Jareth Mittan, 6, of Rockford, Ill., and his mother, Maria, sit on a stone bench Monday while visiting several family members buried at Cedar Memorial cemetery in Cedar Rapids. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)
Charli Nutt, 6, of Atkins, is embraced by her father, Shawn, during the playing of taps during the Memorial Day service. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)
An audience member listens to a performance of the U.S. Armed Forces Medley during the Memorial Day service. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)
Dennis Baskerville visits the grave of his father, Robert, and places a bouquet of flowers before the Memorial Day service at Cedar Memorial. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)
Jareth Mittan, 6, of Rockford, Ill., waves a flag from his parents’ car during the Memorial Day service. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)
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