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 Memorial Day Observances happen all over America
to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice so we may have the
freedom that we enjoy each day and support family and friends of
loved ones who have been left behind.
On Monday at the Atlanta Public Library, the Observance started with
a band concert by the Atlanta Community Band. Many popular patriotic
songs were played including America the Beautiful and God Bless
America.
As the band concluded their concert, the Atlanta
Scouts stepped to the front to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
Everyone rose to their feet to pay respect to the flags lining the
sidewalks as they recited the Pledge.
Each flag around the library and up and down the
streets represented a loved one who lost their life while in the
military. A young couple teaching their children about Memorial Day
commented that they got their picture taken next to Grandpa’s flag.
Adam McVey addressed the audience, “I am not a veteran.” He is not a
veteran, but his father, uncle, and father-in-law are all Korean War
Veteran’s, his brother-in-law is a career Marine with two sons: one
in the Army, one in the Air Force, and his youngest son spent five
years in the Marines.
And finally, his nephew, Sgt. Robert Griffin, Infantry United States
Army, enlisted right out of high school and served three deployments
in the Middle East. After coming home, being diagnosed with PTSD,
and receiving treatment in Colorado, Rob ended his life on July 25,
2010.
McVey and his wife made sure that their boys never forgot their
cousin. “As brothers they are bound by blood, there for each other
no matter what. For our brothers and sisters in the military that
bond is just as strong through military service as it is through
blood.”
McVey commended veteran’s for leaving their home, their family, and
their friends to face the enemies of our nation and give us the
right to freedom.
The loss for the families of fallen soldiers never ends.
In closure, McVey offered a challenge for everyone
to share stories of their veteran’s so that they would never be
forgotten.
Abraham Lincoln's speech at Gettysburg has been
remembered and repeated throughout the decades because it captures
so well the sentiments of a grateful nation for its fallen soldiers.
Evie Emberton read the Gettysburg address concluding, as Lincoln
did, “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task
remaining before us - that from these honored dead we take increased
devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of
devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not
have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have new
birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people,
for the people shall not perish from the earth.”
Chaplain (Major) Carl Johnston, US Army, (Ret.) –
Atlanta United Methodist Church Pastor, was the keynote speaker for
the Observance. Johnston was named after his dad's brother, who was
killed in WWII. “I was named after a soldier and my little patriot
heart began to flutter and I wanted to know everything I could
possibly know about him.” If you’re named after someone there is an
expectation that you will live up to their name.
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 Johnston’s mom, also, had an uncle named Carl and
he was a minister.
Lesson one: “Be careful what you name your children. There could be
destiny in it.”
Lesson two: “Memorial Day is difficult.” Johnston and his mom opened
the cedar chest on Memorial Day to look at the purple heart and dog
tags; it was too hard for his dad to remember.
Memorial Day is hard for those with no connection because they don’t
have anyone who died in the defense of freedom.
Memorial Day is hard for those who know too many who have died in
defense of freedom.
 Johnston’s last duty in the Army was as a recalled
retiree serving at Fort Carson in Colorado. From 2008-2011, he
served as a Chaplain in the Warrior Transition Battalion. Whenever
there was a death in the Warrior Transition Unit, they were all
called together and told that if anyone wanted to talk to the
Chaplain he would be in the back of the formation.
“One day a guy about 25 years old came over and said, ‘Well,
Chaplain, I’m gonna have to go back to the tattoo parlor. On my back
I’ve got a Memorial tattoo of everybody that I’ve known who has died
since I’ve joined the army. This guy will be number 88.’”
Some have memories as veterans, some have dreams, and some have
nightmares. Regardless, all have stories that need to be told.
Another duty Johnston had was to knock on the doors to tell the
family that their loved one won’t be coming back. “No matter how
many times I’ve practiced that, as many times as I have rehearsed
that, it never gets easier with time.”
Memorial Day is difficult but “it is important that we tell the
stories so that people know and remember what the sacrifices were
and are.”
On May 3, 1865 Abraham Lincoln’s funeral train passed through
Atlanta on the way to Springfield. There is an old song, This Train
is Bound for Glory, and maybe when hear a train we should remember
our veterans who fulfilled the teaching of Jesus, “Greater love has
no man than this; to lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13,
NIV).” The prophet Jeremiah said, “Weep not for him who is dead, nor
grieve for him, but weep bitterly for him who goes away, for he
shall return no more to see his native land (Jeremiah 22:10, ESV).”
We should take this day to enjoy the freedoms that were paid for at
such a high price. “Because of their sacrifice may we do all the
good we can with all the time that we have.”
A floral tribute to Veterans of all Wars was
presented by the Gresham-Crutchley Unit #341 Auxiliary: In memory of
the Civil War a bow was placed on the wreath, in memory of the War
with Spain a white flower was placed on the wreath, in memory of the
Korean War a red flower was placed on the wreath, in memory of the
Vietnam War a blue flower was placed on the wreath, in memory of
Desert Storm a yellow flower was placed on the wreath, and in memory
of the unknown soldier a semi-circle of flowers were placed in front
of the wreath.
Men and women still in 134 countries are committed to eradicating
evil in all corners of the world. “Freedom is not free.”
After an Honor Guard Salute, veterans from each branch of the
military were asked to come forward to be recognized.
Helping with the service:
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Larry Collins, Master of Ceremonies
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Deacon Wendell Lowry, Major US Army (Ret), Atlanta Catholic
Church
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National Anthem, Deb Siltman
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Closing Prayer, Warren Smith
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Drummer, Tanner Smith
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Taps, Jayme Reed
Memorial Day is hard. Country men and women have
laid down their lives for freedom. These freedoms we enjoy every
day: freedom to speak, freedom to assemble, freedom to worship. May
we never forget.
[Lisa Ramlow] |
