Jeff Gurchinoff of Kingsford gave the featured address at Norway’s annual Memorial Day program late Monday morning at Norway Township Cemetery. Gurchinoff, who did three tours of duty during his almost 25 years in the U.S. Army, spoke of a fallen comrade, Sgt. David Allen Davis, who was killed Sept. 19, 2009, when a rocket-propelled grenade struck where he was being housed in Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. Davis, 28, of Dalhart, Texas, was only 17 hours from leaving for some time with family, Gurchinoff said; he is the reason why Gurchinoff marks Sept. 11, 2001, anniversary each year. Seated behind him, from left are Marie Devine, who placed the wreath on the cannon as a tribute to the unknown soldier and to all war dead; Norway High School student Fischer Campbell, who read the poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae; master of ceremonies Terry Backlund; and VFW Chaplain George Olson. Looking on are representatives of area veterans groups, the different military branches and police and fire. (Betsy Bloom/Daily News photo)

The rumble of about 200 motorcycles filled the roads Saturday as riders joined the 22nd-annual Veterans Tribute Ride to honor those who served in the military and raise funds for local veteran organizations. Escorted by local law enforcement, the procession made its way to the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, where participants gathered for a brief ceremony and blessing of the bikes. Riders also took time to greet residents, shake hands and personally thank veterans for their service. The tribute ride continued with a stop at Ottawa Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3134 in Iron River before concluding at Venue 906 in Kingsford, where riders and supporters celebrated another year of honoring area veterans. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

The Norway City Band and Norway High School band arrive at Norway Township Cemetery for Norway’s annual Memorial Day program late Monday morning. (Betsy Bloom/Daily News photo)