Heritage Park in Junction City in front of the Kansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial was the site for the Knight Templar, Free and Accepted Masons Memorial Day observance.

The guest speaker Grand Marshall Herbert Merrick referred to the Athenian leader Pericles, and his comments centuries ago about those who made the ultimate sacrifice. “Pericles said not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions, but their dwells also an unwritten memorial to them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men. The practice of decorating graves is actually a most ancient custom.”

The ceremony included comments by the Grand Commander of the Knights Templar of Kansas, Michael Smith. “Today we celebrate the lives of all Kansans who gave their lives in service to our great country. The families of these fallen veterans have endured the pain and suffering of losing a brother, sister, son, daughter, father, mother or grandparent, their lives interrupted.”

The procession of the honor guard to the memorial and the playing of Amazing Grace were part of this annual observance, held for a 28th year.