June 1, 2023

Allison Sayer - CRR Staff

On Memorial Day, services were held throughout the Copper Basin to honor the lives of military members. A small procession traveled from the Glennallen Cemetery to Moose Creek, on to the Catholic Church on Old School Road, and on to the Copper Center and

Kluti-Kaah Cemeteries. Flag bearers Bishop Bower and “Red” led the procession into each cemetery, followed by local VFW Commander Dana Becker and Vice Commander Julie Sine.

“Even after Memorial Day passes, we will continue to bear the burden of loss." —Dana Becker

At the beginning of each service, Chaplain Arnold Lincoln led those assembled in prayer to remember those who died in active service and to honor and pray for their families.

Dana Becker noted in his speech that the “true meaning” of the holiday is “often overlooked.” The somber holiday does not end with a single daily observance. “Even after Memorial Day passes, we will continue to bear the burden of loss.”

Julie Sine spoke of the long history of American military action in the past, and of a need to support current military in addition to remembering the fallen. She also assured those assembled that those who were gone were not forgotten.

Local American Legion commander Terry Keizer commanded firing detail Stan Gurtler, Alex McMann, Guy Lykins, Greg Lee, Al Sanders, and Arnold Lincoln in a rifle salute to the fallen. Those gathered were then left to their thoughts and memories while “Taps” was played.

After the services, Becker and Kaiser received sincere thanks from attendees for putting the memorials together.