(STURGIS) - There was a good turnout for Monday's 2026 City of Sturgis Memorial Day program.
The crowd heard opening comments from Sturgis Mayor Frank Perez, along with the Roll Call of the Wars and the Roll Call of the Dead.
This year's special speaker, Ren Hartung, shared from the order that officially created Memorial Day in 1868 and written by John A. Logan, Commander and Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic.
"Let us then at the time appointed gather around this sacred remains, and garland the mounds above them with choice flowers of springtime. Let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor. Let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist them when they have left among us a sacred charge upon the Nation's gratitude, the soldiers and sailors widows and orphans". (LISTEN ABOVE)
The crowd also heard musical selections from the Sturgis High School Marching Band. The Amos Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution along with area Boy Scouts laid wreaths at the ceremonial graves for the wars the United States has fought in.