By Jacob Swiecicki, Staff Reporter.
Veterans and members of the community gathered to pay reverence to former service members at the historic U.S.S. Edson. Mike Kegley, president of the Saginaw Valley Ship Museum, welcomed people to attend a speech given by Tom Tober on Nov. 11 to honor those of our community who have served in the Armed Forces.
Tober reminisced about his time in the U.S. Army Reserve and military acronyms, a few of which were a little too crude to say in front of the children in the audience. Tober went on to say that “shared experience, trust and respect,” is what bonds all veterans together.
The Bay County Veterans Council Color Guard also came to venerate the event and was accompanied by a 21 gun salute as well as the playing of Taps. Citizens hung their heads for a hallow prayer and a solemn recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Glenda Thomas, the wife of one of the veterans in attendance, declared why she thought the memorial was important. “It’s a great tool to learn.” Thomas then went on to make an interesting remark. “My husband served on the Edson for six years, and he didn’t see the bridge until today!”
Kegley, who gave the introduction for Tober, ended the ceremony with an invitation for audience members to tour the ship and gave a final thank you to everyone who attended the event, especially those of the crowd who are veterans.
“By god, you’re not forgotten,” stated Kegley, “To all of you, thank you for your service.”