Disabled American Veterans Chapter 22 member Mike Sekely, right, poses for a picture with 99-year-old Dick Wills, a veteran of World War II, during a Memorial Day celebration held Thursday at the Crossroads Bar in Sands Township. (Photo courtesy of Erika Flint, DAV)

MARQUETTE — Residents of the Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette were treated to more than breakfast Thursday at the Crossroads Restaurant at the intersection of County Road 480 and M-553.

The event, hosted by the local Disabled American Veterans Chapter 22, featured award-winning essays from Negaunee Middle School fifth-graders with the theme “What Memorial Day Means to Me.”

The first place winner was Aubrey Hill, second-place winner was Pige Hill and third place went to Rheana Nelson. All students read their essays to the veterans, according to a DAV press release.

Students and veterans were also treated to a presentation of a Purple Heart to Army Sgt. First Class (ret.) Jason Jenkins of Marquette Mayor Fred Stonehouse.

“This event is designed to teach local students the importance of Memorial Day,” the release states.

The event is made possible by the annual DAV Forget Me Not fundraiser and presented by DAV Chapter 22 Commander Will Weycker on behalf of the Marquette County community, the release states, “which so generously contributes to veterans’ causes.”