Despite rising temperatures, more than 150 people gathered at the Garland County Veterans Memorial and Military Park on Monday for the community's annual Memorial Day Service.
The guest speaker, retired U.S. Air Force veteran C.E. "Charlie" Brown, commander of Disabled American Veterans, State of Arkansas Chapter 7, reminded those in attendance that while Veterans Day is set aside to honor servicemen and women who returned from war, Memorial Day is strictly set aside for those who returned home in flag-draped caskets.
"You should remember this is a time to commemorate those who gave their lives in service to our country. That's why you don't thank the living on Memorial Day but pay respect to their fallen comrades in arms, friends and family. Nearly 1.2 million brave men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country since the American Revolution. That number continues to rise as we are again, a nation at war," Brown said.
"So many lives have been lost but we only ask to set aside one day, just one day, of each year. One day with great, solemn meaning, on Memorial Day. I ask you to join me in turning our hearts and our minds to those who gallantly died at the hands of tyranny. Do not let them be forgotten or go unappreciated," he said.
Following Brown's speech, wreaths were placed in remembrance of fallen servicemen and women for past wars. They also announced more than 15 new bricks were added to the memorial this year.
Retired Marine veteran Ross Rumore played the bugle, U.S. Army veteran Walt Thrasher served as the emcee, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2278 Honor Guard presented the colors and fired volleys, Cassie Ford sang the national anthem, U.S. Army veteran Don Newton led the Pledge of Allegiance, Chaplain Kevin Tuohy gave the invocation, U.S. Air Force veteran Dick Holden welcomed guests, Memorial Committee Chairman Jo West Taylor introduced committee members and U.S. Air Force veteran Mike Sharp introduced the guest speaker.
Local on 05/28/2019