‘A solemn day of remembrance’

Monday brought blue skies and warm temperatures, perfect for vacationers who flocked to Homer to celebrate Memorial Day weekend. At cemeteries located on Diamond Ridge and in Anchor Point and Ninilchik, a more solemn air prevailed among those who were gathered to observe the holiday’s original intention.

Members of the Virl “Pa” Haga VFW Post 10221 in Anchor Point, American Legion Post 16 in Homer and American Legion Post 18 in Ninilchik, as well as residents of all three communities, conducted three memorial ceremonies — an annual tradition and collaboration — for service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation. The day began at the Hickerson Memorial Cemetery at 10 a.m., followed by visits to the Anchor Point Kallman Cemetery at noon and the American Legion Cemetery in Ninilchik at 1 p.m.

Each service opened with a prayer and included speeches by commanders of the VFW and respective American Legion posts, as well as a color guard and honor guard.

At the Kallman Cemetery, VFW Post 10221 Cmdr. Charles Collins thanked the community members in attendance for honoring and remembering fallen service members.

“Today is more than just a date on the calendar — it is a deeply meaningful occasion where we pause to reflect on freedoms we enjoy and the high price paid to secure them,” he said. “Too often, it is easy to forget the true meaning behind our holidays.

“Memorial Day was set aside by us, the citizens of this great nation, to ensure that the stories of courage, sacrifice and service are not lost within time. It is a day to remember that freedom is never free, and that our way of life has been protected time and again by those willing to give everything for it.”

Collins acknowledged that Memorial Day weekend is often considered the “unofficial start” of summer — “but today we take pause.”

“For 249 years, brave Americans have … stood up for something bigger than themselves, for the love of country, love of family, and on behalf of a better future for generations to come,” he said. “Today, and hopefully every day, we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Many of them are friends, neighbors and family members, and we will forever be in their debt.”

Collins asked the gathered crowd, as they went out to enjoy the rest of the long weekend, to live their lives with purpose and gratitude because that was one of the best ways they could honor the legacies of fallen service members.

“Let’s respect them by living our lives to the fullest with honor and kindness in our hearts,” he said.

At the American Legion Cemetery in Ninilchik, American Legion Post 18 Cmdr. Gary Jackinsky noted that this “solemn day for remembering those who laid down their lives” was even more profound, as it marked the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II.

Each service concluded with a three-volley rifle salute by the honor guard and the playing of taps.