Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.  The moment of silence revealed sounds not usually heard. As the Carousel of Happiness animals glided around and around, slowly, very slowly, the group of about 100 people stood silently, remembering. They could hear the groaning and creaking of the carousel mechanics, the animals lifting and falling, rubbing now and then, the tinkle of a cowbell on a long-horned steer.

Even the boy scouts and girl scouts holding flowers hushed as the mermaid whispered as they passed, the lion held its breath, the elephant trod lightly.

The moment of silence came during the Memorial Day observance during a ceremony in honor of veterans who died in war or since then.

Carousel of Happiness creator Scott Harrison led the ceremony, which began six years ago at the grand opening of Nederland’s signature landmark attraction. Now, Memorial Day is the carousel’s anniversary, a perfect day to celebrate its birth as well as the two fallen veterans who inspired Harrison to envision and then build a place that held joy and invited everyone in to feel the peace and love that people are capable of.

During Monday’s ceremony, a microphone was passed around allowing the participants to say a few words about veterans they’ve known who have died.

After the silent ride, Dennis Kerr of Boulder played Taps on his bugle and the veterans and scouts were invited to enjoy a free ride on the carousel.