Updated 5/24/20:
Memorial Day Services for Monday May 25th
Kenai Cemetery – Memorial Service 10:30 AM
Soldotna Cemetery – Memorial Service 1:00 PM
Original Post:
Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, will be the time for residents on the Kenai to remember those who have not only served, but particularly those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and were unable to return home.
The Avenue of Flags will be held at the Kenai Municipal Cemetery at 10:30 a.m., but the annual memorial service at the Leif Hansen Memorial Park has been cancelled.
Dave Carey, a veteran who also serves on the Soldotna City Council, discusses what Soldotna has in-store: “Here in Soldotna at 1 p.m., we’ll be having a ceremony at the park – the Soldotna Community Memorial Park.”
Memorial Day serves as a ceremonial kick-off to Summer and the countdown to Independence Day, July 4. Carey discusses the planned unveiling of a bronze Iron Mike installation that will be unveiled at Soldotna Creek Park on the Fourth of July. The term ‘Iron Mike,’ originating from WWI to honor Marines who fought in the war, is military slang for an especially inspiring, brave and tough service member.
Carey says that Memorial Day is a perfect day to be excited about the installation, which currently sits covered by an American flag: “I’d say that the Iron Mike, as it is today, it’s in a crate. I just so much am pleased that it’s made it. I want to say that Memorial Day is the right time because this day is for those men and women who came back to America in a casket with a flag over it, representing our country. It seems to me that this is just another plus of doing our honoring of every veteran there is. At this time, particularly those who have died in-action, and I hope everyone is thankful for what we’ve received by all of those who have served and especially those who have given the full extent of their life.”
He also discusses his family history, what Memorial Day means to him, and what he hopes it means to you: “Memorial Day, to me, is a way to remember my father who was killed in-action 62 years ago. I just very much hope that everyone appreciates what veterans do for us, especially those who have lost their life.”
