By Alixan Spaulding

The American Legion Color Guard were on hand Sunday at Elmwood Cemetery, for the annual cemetery walk-through with the Cedar Springs Historical Society. From left to right: George Cooley, James Cooley, Mike Levdan, and Loren Schermer.

A hero is someone who places the lives and safety of others above their own. Memorial Day is a day to remember heroes who have fallen, and those who have served and passed on. On Sunday, May 30, the Cedar Springs Museum and Historical Society held its annual walk through Elmwood Cemetery to honor several heroes who are buried there.

The Cedar Springs Historical Society has an extensive collection of information about veterans from Michigan, and even some of the surrounding states. Every year they select various veterans, and the walk involves visiting the gravesites, and hearing biographical and historical information about the veterans.

Veterans honored this year included Ebenezer Jewell, War of 1812; John Roys, Mexican/American War; Alfred Plumb, Spanish/American War; Abram S. Tuttle, Civil War; Frank VanLew, World War I; Russell, George and William Schultz, World War II; Charles Haynes, Korean War; and Thomas Kemp, Vietnam War.

Members of the Cedar Springs American Legion Glenn Hill Post color guard were also present, giving a salute at each site.

The cemetery walk has been happening for 10 years now, and is hosted by the co-directors of the Historical Society, Tanya Eldred and Sharon Jett. Families of the deceased and others joined in the walk, with the option to ride on the people mover, pulled by a large red tractor.

There was a lot of research done in order to give the information at each gravesite, a lot of it done by Eldred. “I like to do the research myself,” she said, noting that it’s her favorite part of the walk.

Sharon Jett spoke about Eldred’s love of doing research, saying, “It grew out of her love and respect for her father, who served in World War II. It comes straight from her heart!”