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Tuesday, 26 May 2009 |
Early morning rainfall made it necessary to move a Memorial Day observance into a courtroom at the Saline County Courthouse, but the inclement weather didn’t deter attendance.
Spectators filled Courtroom 1 and spilled out into the second-floor hallway to attend the event that commemorated those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for love of country while honoring present-day veterans and others who continue to serve in the armed forces.
Representatives of Raymond McGill Post 2256, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the VFW Auxiliary conducted the event, traditionally held at the veterans memorial section on the courthouse lawn.
The ceremony opened with the presentation of the colors by U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps representatives Jordan Morris, David Wilson, Kyle Haeberie and Chance Phillips. Lt. Mike McCune, the group’s supervisor, accompanied the cadets to the event. Scouts from Troop 36 in Bauxite led the pledge of allegiance and Megan Polk sang the national anthem
Memorial wreaths were presented by Fred Wray, representing the American Legion; Sharon Lee and Carol Williams, representing the VFW and VFW Auxiliary; and Shirlene Levart, representing Provincia de La Sal chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.
The invocation was given by Circuit Judge Gary Arnold and Kim Hammer, a county chaplain, gave the closing prayer.
In the principal address, given by Post 2256 Commander Roger Lee, he noted that those gathered were celebrating the “memory of absent comrades, all of whom give true meaning to the words valor, sacrifice, loyalty and perseverance.”
He also pointed out that everyone should be reminded to “do everything within our power” to support those who continue to serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.
“Equal tribute needs to be given to all who are serving courageously around the world during one of the most challenging periods in American history,” he said.
“Memorial Day is a day of conflicting emotions for each of us,” Lee said, noting it is a “blend of pride and mournfulness, gratitude and loss and a deep abiding sense of patriotism.”
Though sharing a common sorrow, he said, “we also are united in our thanks to those who gave their last full measure of devotion to a cause much greater than themselves.”
He noted that “regretfully, the sacrifices of our comrades are sometimes forgotten or disregarded, especially by those who have gained the most from it. HIstory has proven that, if not for those we honor today, a heavy fist of tyranny and terror would still shackle and strangle many countries that are enjoying relatively recent freedom and democracy.”
He warned against diminishing “the heroism and brave deeds of patriots of the past as well as a new generation of patriots who have been put to the test in the war against terrorism.”
Lee said it is vital to “make sure the legacy of our nation’s fallen is passed on from this generation to the next and then on to all generations beyond.”
“As we maintain the memory and the deeds of our fallen throughout the coming years, we need to remember to care for those who returned form their service and their wars as well ... They deserve and are entitled to receive adequate and proper medical care and compensation for their wounds, injuries or illnesses connected to their military service.”
Lee cautioned against ignoring the needs of these veterans after the troop rallies, welcome-home parades and flag-waving end.
“The defenders of this nation fulfilled their duty and obligation to us, and we have an equal duty to honor and fulfill our obligations to them.”
Lee concluded his remarks by saying: “Let us leave here today knowing that our destiny as a free people is entirely up to us. Let every deed and act of each of our days be guided by the memory of those who gave their lives for our future freedoms, and may their sacrifice continue to inspire us and fill us with hope all the days of our lives. God bless America.”
The ceremony closed with Benton High School band member Brad Younts playing taps.
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