Memorial Day Observance at Crown Point Highlights Sacrifice and Remembrance

Molly Sommer, a local piper, paid her respects after Crown Point’s Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony by playing ‘Amazing Grace’ on her bagpipes at Historic Maplewood Cemetery. The event took place on Monday, May 25, 2026, with a significant turnout at both the parade and the memorial ceremony.

Sommer’s gesture is personal; while her grandfathers served in the military, they are not buried in Crown Point Cemetery. She chooses to play her bagpipes there each Memorial Day, saying, “I love to do it to pay my respect.”

The parade concluded at Historic Maplewood Cemetery, where numerous people gathered, some standing or bringing chairs. Post 20 Commander Kevin Dvorak delivered greetings, with prayers led by Perry McLemore of Southlake Christian Church.

A poignant moment was the honoring of Dana and Dawn Stewart, a Gold Star Family. They laid a wreath in memory of their son, USMC Cpl. Ian Wesley, who died in 2004. Dawn Stewart expressed her ongoing grief, remarking, “Twenty-two years later, it’s still hard.”

Speeches from officials like Crown Point Mayor Pete Land and U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, addressed the significance of the day. Keynote speaker Stephany Leonard shared her profound story as a veteran and widow of veteran Jesse Meredith. Meredith, who served in the U.S. Army National Guard, died by suicide in 2014 after battling PTSD.

Leonard recounted the silence after her husband’s death, saying she initially thought keeping quiet was easier than explaining her pain. She advocates for openness to prevent others from feeling ashamed about struggles beyond their control. “I also want to encourage people to seek support sooner than I did,” Leonard stated, underscoring that healing requires breaking the silence.

She emphasized, “As we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we should also remember the human side of service — the families, and the ongoing battles.” Her message urged kindness and patience towards everyone.

Freelance reporter Deborah Laverty covered the event for the Post-Tribune.