Hundreds visit Great Lakes National Cemetery for Veteran's Day - WNEM TV 5

The sound of a 21 gun salute pierced the air at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.

It is the highest honor for the people who gave their lives in service to their country. Their comrades in arms paid tribute to the fallen for Veteran's Day.

For hundreds of people across Mid-Michigan and beyond, there's no place they would rather be on Veteran's Day than among their fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and comrades laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery.

The national shrine is of particular significance for advisory council president Garth Wootten. He is a Navy veteran and his father and namesake is buried at the cemetery.

"It's a special place. I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather have him. He's here with his fellow veterans," Wootten said.

Hundreds from near and far made their way to Holly Friday morning to pay their respect to veterans in all branches of military service. It is the final resting place of more than 31,000 veterans and their families and a dear place for their loved ones.

"I like to say that this is probably one of the most sacred places that you can find and this place is so beautiful. It's just an amazing place," said Steve Striggow.

Cemeteries can sometimes fall into disarray, but volunteers donate their time year round to maintain flags, clean and repair headstones, and ensure that the cemetery is as beautiful as it can be.

"We know that it's going to be here as a beautiful shrine forever, essentially. As long as there's a United States of America," Wootten said.

For veterans and military families, the obligation and commitment to serve veterans is something that goes far beyond Veteran's Day. It is a daily commitment that extends through generations.

"I hope, you know, not anytime soon, I'll be out here," Wootten said.

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