3,000 flags: fallen heroes honored at Fort Howard Memorial Park

On Memorial Day, 3,000 flags decorate the graves of veterans at Fort Howard Memorial Park in Green Bay.

That somber statistic was heavy on the hearts of people who honored fallen heroes at a Memorial Day ceremony.

"Fifty-nine other veterans were laid to rest here at the cemetery and mausoleum since last Memorial Day," said Amanda Heidtman, Regional Administrator. "We owe a great debt of gratitude to them and those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom."

Spectators entering the park from Military were greeted by crosses that represent the military men and women from Wisconsin who perished in the Gulf War and Afghanistan.

"This year, we are pleased to dedicate four new flags to our Avenue of Flags program," Yuki Stuhr announced. The Family Services Counselor continued, "We will be dedicating flags for Raymond J. Klaas, Michael D. Terrien, Donald J. Bahrke and Clifford R. Saari."

Since 1775, Wisconsin has lost 27,000 military members.

"Since the Korean war, we have lost 42 veterans from Green Bay; 5 from Korea; 32 from Vietnam; 2 from Afghanistan; and 2 from Iraq. These were our grandfathers, grandmothers, fathers, mothers, husbands and wives, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters," said SSgt. Kenneth Corry, United States Air Force (ret.)

"Take a second and smell the fresh air. Feel the wind and sun hit your skin. Listen to the sounds around you. And take a look around. These are things our nation's greatest heroes will never be able to do again," Corry said.