About 75 people braved blustery winds at Hickerson Memorial Cemetery on Memorial Day for ceremonies honoring Americans killed in wars throughout our country’s history. The simple ceremony was augmented this year by a performance of several songs by a brass quintet from the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band, including a musician on trumpet who played the traditional “Taps.” Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Anchor Point, also gave a rifle salute. Also participating were members of the Homer and Ninilchik Posts of the American Legion.

“Because of them, our lives are free,” said Commandant Dan Cole of the American Legion, Post 16, Homer, of those how have died in battle. “Because of them, our nation lives. … Now in one accord, we deepest reverence, we do them honor.”

Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Homer and Ninilchik posts, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion hold an honor guard at Memorial Day ceremonies on Monday, May 27, 2019, at Hickerson Memorial Cemetery in Homer, Alaska. About 75 people braved a blustery wind to attend the ceremonies. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Anchor Point, stand at attention during the playing of “Taps” by a bugler with the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band at Memorial Day ceremonies on Monday, May 27, 2019, at Hickerson Memorial Cemetery in Homer, Alaska. About 75 people braved a blustery wind to attend the ceremonies. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)