OKEMOS, MI - Meridian Township carried on the tradition of paying tribute to all those who have served in the military by hosting the 29th Annual Memorial Day Tribute at Glendale Cemetery on Monday, May 29.

Memorial Day originated in the years following the Civil War and became a national holiday in 1971. The event was open to the public and during the ceremony, the Meridian Community Band provided musical tribute selections, along with Scouts BSA Troop 164G and 125 leading the Color Guard. A special presentation was given by two special guest speakers, Dennis Carpenter, a retired Army veteran and Pastor Trevor Sutton of St. Luke Lutheran Church.

“This is the 29th year for the memorial event," said Meridian Township Clerk Deborah Guthrie. "Our presenter Dennis Carpenter gave an excellent example of someone who gave his life for the freedom of others and Americans as well. It’s important to take that time of observance and remembrance for those who gave their lives, so that we can have the freedoms we have here in America."

Photos and video from the event can be viewed below.