Huntsville VFW observes Memorial Day

“People from their neighborhoods, their entire counties should all come together once a year to remember our nation’s fallen heroes”, said Randy King, the first speaker of the Huntsville Memorial Day Service. “Legend has it that Waterloo, New York was the birthplace of Memorial Day, or what it was then referred to as ‘Decoration Day’. No one is certain who came up with the idea in the first place for Memorial Day, but the national holiday was first recognized in May of 1873. Everyone needs to set aside at the very least one day a year to reflect, to respect, and to honor those who have given their lives for our country. It is the veteran, not the preacher that gives us the freedom of religion; it is the veteran not the reporter that gives us the freedom of speech; it is the veteran, not the lawyer, that gives us the freedom to a fair trial,” King concludes.

The veterans of WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and the Disable Veterans were all commemorated by their very own wreath at the event.

Richard Hoge played his part by performing the infamous military song, “Taps” for the event. The words for Taps sing of the dying light of the sun as it sets each day. Afar in the distance of the sky is a shining star, prominent in the dead of night. But, as the song reminds us, God is always nigh. Though the sky may be dark, there will always be stars in the sky.

This also means that even though those brave souls who have given their lives for our freedom has passed on, we all are left with the joy and freedom that this country holds for us.

Photo above: Wreaths are placed on the Huntsville courthouse lawn to honor veterans of diffeent eras during a ceremony held Monday morning sponsored by the Huntsville VFW. Presenting the wreaths are from left, Harold Stanturf, VFW; William Jacoby, WWI; Bill Preston, WWII; Randy King, Korea; Neil Block, Vietnam; Mary Preston, Desert Storm; and LaDeann King, Afghanistan. Ed Kimbrough served as master of ceremonies and Randy King read the list of those who have died in the last year.