Hundreds of residents gathered along Front Street Monday morning for Nome’s annual Memorial Day Parade. Spectators braved wind chills below 20 degrees to pay their respects to the men and women who lost their lives in service to their country.

Escorted by the Nome Police Department, a color guard and detail comprised of military veterans from VFW Post #9569 led the procession that marched from the Post Office to the Nome City Cemetery. Following the procession this year were members of The Ladies Auxiliary, Girl Scout Troops #352 and #354, Pioneers of Alaska, and an ambulance from Norton Sound Health Corporation. Parade attendees followed along by car, foot, bike, and strollers down Nome streets, passing by electrical posts adorned with American flags.

Small American flags lined the pathway to the center of the cemetery where a large American flag was hoisted from the Ladder 9 fire truck by the Nome Volunteer Fire Department. The National Anthem was sung, speeches and prayers were made, and Taps was performed on a trumpet to close the service portion of the celebration.

Parade goers then headed toward the small boat harbor for the closing of this year’s ceremonies.

A helicopter previously used in service during the Vietnam War was flown by Bering Air pilot Russel Rowe. The Bell UH-1 Iroquois (more commonly known as the “Huey”) circled Nome and hovered over the small boat harbor for the ceremonial release of a memorial wreath into the Snake River. Carrying out the honor this year was United States Marine Corps Vietnam veteran Henry Brosnaham.