Memorial Day Tribute at Historic Maplewood Cemetery

Molly Sommer, a second-generation piper residing near Historic Maplewood Cemetery, performed Amazing Grace on her bagpipes this Memorial Day. She moved through the gravestones, quietly honoring those who lost their lives. This tradition is deeply personal for her, with both grandfathers having served in the military, though neither is buried at the Crown Point cemetery.

On Monday, May 25, 2026, crowds attended the Memorial Day parade and the ceremony at Maplewood Cemetery. The parade concluded at the cemetery after starting at Joliet Street. Chairs from the ceremony were removed after the tribute speeches and most attendees had dispersed, leaving those who remained to hear Sommer’s musical homage.

Participants of the day’s events included Post 20 Commander Kevin Dvorak, who gave opening remarks, and Perry McLemore of Southlake Christian Church, who led prayers. Dana and Dawn Stewart, a Gold Star Family, were specially honored during the wreath-laying ceremony. Their son, USMC Cpl. Ian Wesley, passed away in 2004 while serving in the military. “Twenty-two years later, it’s still hard,” Dawn Stewart expressed while shedding tears.

Among the notable speakers were Crown Point Mayor Pete Land and U.S. Representative Frank J. Mrvan. The keynote speech was delivered by Stephany Leonard, a veteran and widow, who shared her personal story. Her husband, Jesse Meredith, who served in the U.S. Army National Guard, died by suicide in April 2014 after battling PTSD.

“Today, one of the reasons I share my story openly is because I never want another veteran or military family to feel ashamed of struggles they did not choose,”

Leonard, a mother of two and a veteran herself, emphasized the importance of seeking support early. “I also want to encourage people to seek support sooner than I did. For a long time, I convinced myself I needed to keep pushing forward, but eventually, I learned healing does not happen through silence.”

She reminded everyone of the enduring battles veterans and their families face, urging kindness and patience for those still fighting. “So today, as we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, I hope we also remember the human side of service—the families behind the uniforms, the struggles that sometimes continue after war, and the lives still quietly fighting battles every single day. Lead with kindness. Be patient with people,” she concluded.

The Memorial Day programs not only commemorated fallen heroes but also highlighted the continued challenges faced by veterans and their families. It served as a reminder to offer support and understanding to those impacted by military service.

Deborah Laverty contributed to this report.