ROCKINGHAM —Those who have served and continue to serve in the military from Richmond County were honored Saturday as a way to remember their selfless sacrifice.
“Today, Americans across this great nation observe Memorial Day,” said State Rep. Garland Pierce, D-Scotland, guest speaker for Saturday’s program at Veterans Park. “An especially meaningful Memorial Day as we still have American men and women fighting and dying to protect our freedom.”
Saturday’s event was not just a day to thank a veteran, but rather a day to remember those who have died protecting this country with the ultimate sacrifice.
“This holiday is a time to reflect on those who have lost their lives in the line of duty and to give tribute to their selfless spirits,” said Pierce. “On Nov. 11, we laud our veterans for their bravery and dedication to duty. We hail our independence on the fourth of July. On Thanksgiving Day, we give thanks for all that we have. This special Monday in May, however, is set aside just to mourn those who died on the battlefield defending our Constitution, our country and our way of life.”
A holiday almost 150 years in the making, Memorial Day was established in 1868 to pay tribute to individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States. Unfortunately, as Pierce pointed out, veterans, war heroes and freedom in general can often be taken for granted.
“Throughout the country, our landscape is embedded with powerful symbols and monuments that reflect our heritage. These symbols help keep us aware of all of those who have come before us,” he said. “In our busy lives, however, we often take our veterans and war heroes for granted. But I believe most Americans would agree that their valiant efforts should always be at the forefront of our collective memory, and we should be careful to observe this important day to honor our fallen countrymen.”
Pierce went on to say that to many in America in years past, Memorial Day is only a marker for the end of the school year, the beginning of summer, the opening of the neighborhood pool or the start of barbecue season.
“But this year, we must especially remember the fresh graves that scar the landscape, the grim reminder of the human costs of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,” Pierce said. “On this day, we honor the fallen heroes of past and present wars. The mighty who have fallen in battle. On this day, the mournful sound of taps will echo across the rows of headstones in quiet veterans’ cemeteries and other cemeteries across the land. These will will followed by the sharp report of a 21-gun salute.”
Pierce said it will be the military that will shoulder the responsibility of trying to protect us and will be willing to go to trouble spots to protect people who desperately want to experience freedom and democracy.
“The fallen heroes who acted selflessly throughout our history in the face of tyranny and oppression fought a foe that we are still fighting to this very day,” said the state representative. “This state has suffered as greatly as any during the past several years and the sacrifices of our troops and the pride and suffering of so many families who have lost loves ones remind us all of the human costs of war.”
He urged everyone in attendance to thank a veteran for the leadership they have shown as they’ve lived their lives as stalwart soldiers in America’s role as freedom’s beacon.
“We all thank you for all that you have done for your country and for the memory of those who are no longer with us,” said Pierce. “This year, once Memorial Day has passed, consider what the world might look like if not for the service of generations of Americans. Take time throughout the rest of the year to reach out to the members of our armed services who are fighting freedom’s newest enemies. Tell them the citizens of our state and nation are grateful for their service, and thank them and their families for the daily sacrifices that allow them to serve.”
Reach reporter Matt Harrelson at 910-817-2674 and follow him on Twitter @mattyharrelson.