Randolph Countians keep essence of Memorial Day

Someone came to town last week and asked about the demise of the original intention of Memorial Day. Memorial Day, or Decoration Day as it was first called, was set aside to honor the nation’s fallen heroes, to outwardly present a sign of gratitude for their sacrifice “lest no man forget”. The holiday’s premise later expanded to honor all who have gone on before us.

But the visitor’s question asked about a holiday filled with barbeques and vacation traveling on a three-day weekend – the true meaning of holiday. Hadn’t that replaced the reverent observance for which the day had been set aside? Had that visitor stayed a while and traveled Randolph County, they would have seen that the residents, while having times of fun with family and friends, did not forget the reverence of the day.

Preparations began long before Monday. In cemeteries across the county, large and small, grass was mowed, weeds were pulled and benches were swept. Members of small cemetery associations put in long hours to make things beautiful and impart respect to their particular piece of the county. Families came together with flowers, memories and love to visit those who still live in their hearts.

Volunteers, especially the youth of the county, poured out to help place flags on the resting places of veterans and to erect the stately flags which line the drives in Oakland Cemetery in Moberly.

But the patriotism, which is considered missing in some parts of our country, was abundant in Randolph County.

American Legion

Ira Bailey was the first Randolph County resident lost in World War II. The Moberly American Legion Post 6 bears his name. Members of that organization visited his gravesite Monday morning with color guard, prayer and Taps.

Missouri Veterans Cemetery

Approximately 300 people drove to Jacksonville to take part in the Memorial Day service at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery. Larry Carmer, the new director in Jacksonville, and Leah Piland, Fort Leonard wood cemetery director, read the names of all who have been interred at the Jacksonville facility since last June.

Butterflies, 150 of them, were released as “the symbol of freedom … the acknowledgment of a life lived and the celebration of a grander, more exquisite life in the beyond,” according to Carolee Hazlet of the cemetery association.

Larry Page, the keynote speaker, expressed gratitude on behalf of all in attendance for the veterans of all branches of service who “have passed on. The American veteran is willing to place themselves in harm’s way. The cost of freedom lies here today under every headstone we pass in this hallowed place today.”

Huntsville VFW

In Huntsville, citizens gathered to hear the names of those lost in the last year and to present wreaths to honor the veterans of World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and the Disable Veterans. Randy King reminded attendees that it was the veteran who secured what we now consider rights.

VFW

The crowd at VFW Post 2654 in Moberly, jointly sponsored with the American Legion Post 6, was composed primarily of former service members, especially those who fought in World War II, and their spouses. A wreath was laid in recognition of all veterans who have gone on before and veterans of various eras and members of veteran and military organizations were recognized. Mayor Bob Riley presented a proclamation baking Memorial Day official in Moberly. Carlie Wilson sang songs that reminded all of veterans’ service, the country’s patriotism and a need for God in all.

Art Latson, U.S. Air Force retired, was the keynote speaker at this event.

“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. “At the same time, we pause to honor all generations of brave American service people who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.”

Latson spoke of his service and that of all who have voluntarily joined forces to maintain peace and freedom of this country. He told the story of a young man whom he had met while substitute teaching. The student gave latson a tour of his family’s pig farm. The boy joined the Marines, a family tradition begun with his grandfather. He met Latson five years later and explained his reasons for serving his country.

“… But for me this is my nation, this is my community and these are my people,” the Marine told Latson. “That it was not my obligation, but my responsibility, to stand the watch, for whom much is given much is required. That in the defense of freedom as an American – man or woman – if you can’t find something worth dying for it’s going to be difficult to find something worth living for. Many of my friends find criticism with me going to Iraq. But for me, I take comfort in he fact that I lay my head down on my pillow on the same land as my great-great-grandfather. I, too, have protected my nation and my community. I, too, stood the watch, not out of obligation, but my responsibility as an American.”

Thanks to all who have served, who have lost someone in service, and to all who continue to stand watch with the knowledge that freedom isn’t free.