Golden K Picture hosted their annual picnic for special needs children. Andy Jaegar holds the horses for Lyman Tucker, left, and Crystal Van Elsacker. Van Elsacker Farms provided horse drawn wagon rides during the picnic.

By JOAN JOUPPI

For The Daily News

IRON MOUNTAIN — Memorial Day festivities brought families, friends and strangers together, giving all the opportunity to remember sacrifices made on behalf of this country. Bells rang and “Taps” were played. Heads were bowed in grateful thanks. As the day progressed, people went on to enjoy the activities with a renewed respect for those who gave their lives for our country.

The last day of May brought the Golden K seniors to another heartfelt experience with a picnic for the special needs children. The seniors start things early in the day, preparing food and setting up games. There were even rides on a wagon drawn by two striking horses.

Three people from the Van Elsacker Farms brought their horses and wagon just for the kids. Crystal Van Elsacker, Andy Jaeger and Lyman Tucker loaded up the kids for rides around City Park in Iron Mountain. Van Elsacker Farms made a lot of students very happy. A few seniors got the chance to jump on for a ride.

A large group of dedicated Golden K members went home tired but very happy. It was rewarding to see the smiles, hear the laughter and watch everyone enjoy the day. Thanks to Norway, Willis Adult, Forest Park, Florence and Niagara schools for bringing a total of 38 students and 18 caregivers to the festivities.

Golden K will have its regular meeting Monday at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. Meetings begin at 10 a.m., with a scheduled program beginning at 10:30 a.m. Lois Outcelt will be chairperson for June. Guest speaker for the Monday program will be Mary Stolze, who was a nurse in Vietnam. Her experience will provide an extremely interesting program and everyone is welcome.