A 21-gun salute rang out over Lincoln Highway Sunday afternoon, part of a ceremony to honor retired and deceased DeKalb public safety employees.

Held at the Timothy P. Moudy Memorial Park, at the intersection of Fifth Street and Lincoln Highway, the 11th annual memorial enjoyed a clear sky and a generous breeze that rattled ropes against the flagpole. The attendees numbered some 40 onlookers, ranging from babies in arms to a 91-year-old niece of one of the honorees, Juliet Ione Mau.

Mau’s uncle, Pete Tastad, was the first to have his name listed on the DeKalb Fire Department’s side of the memorial plaque.

It was Cathy Mattis’ third year attending the memorial. Though not related to any of the fallen public safety employees, she was still proud to be present.

“I come out of total respect,” Mattis said.

Sue Willey, director of Human Resources Director at City Hall, has missed only a few services since the tradition began.

“I’ve worked for the city for 20 years, so I know most of the retirees, unless they passed before I started,” Willey said.

Also present was a company of DeKalb firemen.

“Probably about the entire shift and some extra, so maybe about 20 [are here],” said Battalion Chief Dave O’Donnell.

Citizens were given the opportunity to place flowers at the memorial plaque and share remembrances, after the song “Taps” was played.

The ceremony closed with a bagpipe performance of “Amazing Grace,” delivered by the Firefighter’s Highland Guard.