Northport’s Memorial Day Service was relocated indoors at Northport Public School’s auditorium due to heavy rain on Monday, but despite the lastminute change of venue, the service carried on largely as planned, event organizer and Leelanau Township Supervisor Mike McMillan reported.
The guest speaker was Jim White, a U.S. Army veteran living in Suttons Bay. He recounted graduating from the U.S. Military Academy West Point in 1980, as part of the academy’s first graduating class to include women.
White referred to 1980 as the “year of the lady” for this reason, adding that “this was back when we thought we knew what a lady was.”
The primary focus of White’s speech, however, was recounting a display of bravery and ultimate sacrifice by two marines during the U.S. occupation of Iraq.
White described a 2008 incident in Ramadi, Iraq, where a U.S. and Iraqi military post was attacked in the early morning by a truck carrying heavy explosives.
Despite the danger and their Iraqi allies reportedly fleeing, White reported that the two marines guarding the post — Jordan Haerter and Jonathan Yale — held their ground and opened fire on the truck bearing down on the outpost. According to a speech given by U.S. General John Kelly and repeated by White, the two marines were killed in the attack, but their discipline saved 150 lives.
The event also served as an opportunity to honor veterans in attendance. The Northport Community Band, Suttons Bay Scouts, and Northport Village Voice performed the Armed Forces Salute, with former members of each military branch encouraged to stand during the marching song dedicated to their branch.
The event also included a invocation and recessional by Pastor Jerry Lange of Northport Covenant Church.
