During a somber procession, community members offered poppies for fallen soldiers at a Memorial Day service held Monday at Leif Hanson Memorial Park.

Hosted by the American Legion Post 20, the gathering recognized U.S. soldiers who have died in war. Post 20 Cmdr. David Showalter said the observance of Memorial Day has long included decorating graves with flowers or wreaths. It’s important, he said, to remember loved ones, to honor sacrifices and to consider “the high price of freedom.”

Henry Knackstedt, Kenai’s vice mayor, said during the ceremony that Memorial Day is a time for reflection and remembrance.

“We pause to honor those who stepped forward without hesitation and gave their most valuable possession — their lives — for our nation,” he said. “As benefactors of this greatest sacrifice, we take the time to reflect on these brave Americans and what they gave us.”

At the close of the ceremony, a set of wreathes were carried forward and displayed in the park. Many chose to step forward and attach a red poppy to one of the wreathes — and some also offered a silent salute to whomever they had in their minds. As the line of people moved past the wreaths, Post Chaplain Mike Meredith read “In Flanders Field” and offered a prayer and a benediction.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.

American Legion Post 20 Cmdr. David Showalter speaks during a Memorial Day service at Leif Hansen Memorial Park in Kenai, Alaska, on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Poppies are affixed to memorial wreathes during a Memorial Day service at Leif Hansen Memorial Park in Kenai, Alaska, on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Poppies are affixed to memorial wreathes during a Memorial Day service at Leif Hansen Memorial Park in Kenai, Alaska, on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Poppies are affixed to memorial wreathes during a Memorial Day service at Leif Hansen Memorial Park in Kenai, Alaska, on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Poppies are affixed to memorial wreathes during a Memorial Day service at Leif Hansen Memorial Park in Kenai, Alaska, on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Poppies are affixed to memorial wreathes during a Memorial Day service at Leif Hansen Memorial Park in Kenai, Alaska, on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

A rifle salute is offered to fallen soldiers during a Memorial Day service at Leif Hansen Memorial Park in Kenai, Alaska, on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)