Bay County Honors Fallen Veteran Michael A. Cathcart

Citizens, Veterans, Officials Gather to Witness Name Engraving

May 16, 2015       Leave a Comment
By: Stephen Kent

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As crab apple blossoms drifted on the breeze, Bay County citizens, veterans and dignitaries gathered to honor fallen veteran Michael A. Cathcart, Sergeant 1st Class of the United States Army. Cathcart, a Bay City Central High School graduate, lost his life on November 14, 2014 while serving in Afghanistan.

Cathcart's body was returned to Bay City this past November 24. His hearse was escorted into town from the airport. As it passed down Midland Street, solemn crowds and hundreds of American Flags lined both sides of the street for his last half a mile to Gephart Funeral Home. (read related article)

Dignitaries at today's ceremony offered public appreciations of Michael's service. Those speaking included Charles Brunner, Vaughn Begick, Mayor Chris Shannon, and Melissa Alex, Gold Star Wife and the Vietnam Memorial Committee.

Mayor Chris Shannon read a proclamation from the City of Bay City, which expressed the city's sincere condolences and listed the many honors and awards Cathcart received, including four bronze Star Medals, two Purple Hearts, a Meritorious Service Medal, and many others. (The full list and the Proclamation can be read by clicking on the image at right.)

Following the presentations, the veteran's Honor Guard fired a rifle salute and taps was played. As the family and others watched, Cathcart's name was engraved on the memorial wall honoring Bay County's many fallen heroes who have lost their lives since the Civil War.

Sergeant Michael A. Cathcart represented the best of Bay County. His service and sacrifice is appreciated by all and he is truly missed.

State Representative Charles Brunner offers words of appreciation

Mayor Christopher Shannon presents Proclamation to the Family

Melissa Alex speaks for Veterans

Honor Guard Salutes a fallen comrade

Rifle salute is followed by Taps

Cathcart's name is engraved on the Bay County War Memorial

The latest name in a long list of heroes

Media Documents The Occasion

Nellie Cathcart places roses at base of memorial

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Stephen Kent
Steve Kent and his family have lived in Bay City for 40 years. He is VP of Technical Services at MMCC which produces MyBayCity.Com. Kent is active in many Bay City civic organizations. More from Stephen Kent

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