More than a century of military sacrifice was remembered across two Richmond Memorial Day ceremonies as veterans, families and community members gathered to honor those who never returned home from war. The ceremonies were held at Woodland Cemetery and Richmond Memory Gardens, where residents honored fallen service members through prayers, wreath presentations and memorial tributes. Ray County Veterans Association founder and Commander John Blakeman opened remarks by reflecting on the sacrifices military members accept through service. “When we join the U.S. Military, whether as volunteers or obedient citizens of the draft, we write the government a blank check; we never know the amount of that check, up to and including our lives,” said Blakeman. “We never know where that check will be cashed.” Blakeman described the uncertainty surrounding military service, noting service members often do not know where their sacrifices may ultimately lead or when those sacrifices may be required…