Even with a major setback earlier this year, the tradition of honoring fallen service members continued Monday as the Clay-Ray Veterans Association hosted its annual Memorial Day ceremony in Excelsior Springs.Community members and veterans gathered outside the Clay-Ray Veterans Hall, just months after a vehicle being pursued by police launched off a cliff and crashed into the roof of the building. The impact left the hall unusable, forcing this year’s observance outdoors in a shorter format.“I realize our ceremony is a little brief today, but as most of you know, we had the car come through the roof,” said Ron Wetzel, a longtime member of the association and speaker for the event. “The place is being refurbished. It’ll be some time, but hopefully things will be back in order soon.”Despite the change in venue and length, the ceremony remained heartfelt. Wetzel opened with a prayer asking for comfort and remembrance.“Let your ...