Fort, Island Residents Remember, Honor Fallen Heros
By Bernie Nguyen

Above: from left, James Dyer, Alfred Dyer, Dottie Glashaw, Barbara Powers, Bob St. Louis, and Joseph "Snapper" Bazinaw with wreaths memorializing their family members, Jerry Dyer, Lloyd St. Louis, and Catherine Bazinaw. At left: Historical interpreters from Fort Mackinac at the Post Cemetery grave of Captain Edwin Sellers, a former post commandant.

Memorial Day, a holiday of remembrance of those who have died in service to the nation, was observed on Mackinac Island with military, veteran, and church services.

In the morning, visitors gathered at the north entrance to Fort Mackinac to join in a brief ceremony honoring the soldiers who served there. A procession with seven interpreters, four dressed as soldiers and three as colonial women, marched to drumbeat along Garrison Road to the Post Cemetery, where Phil Porter, director of Mackinac State Historic Parks, made remarks.

In the past, he noted, soldiers would march to the Post Cemetery and decorate all the graves. In symbolic keeping with tradition, Fort interpreters now decorate the grave of one soldier each year. This year, the grave of former Post Commandant Captain Edwin Sellers was decorated with a wreath donated by Joann Slater and her family.

A musket volley was fired and "Taps" were then played.

"It was touching," said Mike Waksdahl, who was visiting from Grand Meadow, Minnesota. "Taps" always get me."

Later in the day, a large group gathered at Veteran's Memorial Park on Market Street to honor the Island's service veterans in a ceremony conducted by American Legion Post 299 of Mackinac Island.

"We're here to honor our family members and neighbors who have served our country," said Armand "Smi" Horn, who coordinated construction of the park several years ago.

Mary McGuire Slevin performed the national anthem, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer offered by Father Rey Garcia of Ste. Anne's Church, in which he called Mackinac Island a "fitting location" in which to remember and honor the challenges and sacrifice that accompany military combat. He spoke about his firsthand experiences with war when he was living in the Philippines, and emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifice of all veterans.

"For those of you who are standing here," he said, "we give you thanks."

Mayor Margaret Doud asked the audience to "take a few moments to reflect" on the courage of those who gave their lives in service. She concluded her remarks with a poem, "Hero," by Allison Chambers Coxsey.

Post Commander Paul Wandrie said appreciating the full meaning of freedom is the best way to honor the memories of fallen veterans. He read a poem, "No, Freedom Isn't Free," by Cdr. Kelly Strong, USCG (Ret.).

Three members of the Mackinac community were recognized. Jerry Dyer, who was killed while serving on a flight line during the Korean War, was memorialized by his sister, Dottie Glashaw, and his brothers, James and Alfred, with a wreath.

Lloyd St. Louis, while not in the military, was dedicated to bringing winter supplies over the ice from St. Ignace by dog sled and horse wagon. He died when he and his dog team fell through the ice. Mr. Wandrie emphasized that the community was honoring both Mr. St. Louis, for his loyalty to Mackinac, and those who helped to search for him. His sister, Barbara Powers, and his son, Bob, were present at the ceremony and laid the wreath.

Catherine Bazinaw, who sent five sons, John, Carl, Clarence, George, and Joseph into the service, was also recognized and a third wreath was laid at the memorial for her and in tribute to all mothers of the men and women who served. Four of her sons entered the Army and the fifth, Joseph "Snapper" Bazinaw, served in the Marines.

Charles Kleber of Trinity Episcopal Church said a final prayer. "Taps" were played and the flags were raised to full staff.

All flowers were provided by Adelbert "Delbert" Bunker, who was reared on the Island and served as a Marine.