AUGUSTA, Mich. (WOOD) — Hundreds filled the grounds of Fort Custer National Cemetery near Augusta Sunday afternoon to pay respects to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The cemetery’s green fields mark the final resting place for thousands of Americans. Each veteran’s grave was marked with its own American flag.
The “Program of Remembrance” brought families, friends and veterans together for an afternoon of reflection. A flyover and music punctuated speeches. In the crowd was Connie Young. She made the 3.5-hour drive from Indiana with her granddaughters. Her dad, Army Cpl. Edward Riley, served during the Korean War. She said he wanted to be buried at Fort Custer in honor of the family’s lineage of service.
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“My dad was super patriotic. His family had a big history serving in the Army. I actually have two nephews who are in service now. It’s been a tradition in my family for years,” she said.
Ceremonies and speeches came with another layer of emotions for Gold Star Families — those who have lost a loved one in the line of duty. Air Force veteran Dr. Richard Hansen reflected on his son, Senior Airman James “Jimmy” Hansen.
“As we stand beneath the flag waving freely because of the sacrifices of so many, we are reminded of the costs of liberty,” he said to the crowd.
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25-year-old Hansen died at Joint Base Balad, Iraq during an ordinance disposal operation in 2010. Saturday would have been his 40th birthday. His father remembered Hansen to have a dry, sharp sense of humor that was always perfectly timed. Hansen said the service transformed his son for the better and leaves behind a lasting memory of dedication and hard work.
“Let’s honor our fallen not just with words but with how we live. My hero Senior Airman James A. Hansen and all of our fallen heroes not be forgotten,” he said.
Retired Col. Frank Walker said it’s crucial to stop, reflect and share in appreciation of the sacrifice made by service members and their families.
“When we see a solider, when we see a flag, we see a grave sign, that is a meaningful reminder that freedom is not free. And that we live our lives accordingly because that is what they would want,” said the chairperson of the Fort Custer National Cemetery Advisory Committee.
