Memorial Day service honors sacrifice of nation’s war dead
Neshoba County remembered those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country during a Memorial Day service at Dewitt DeWeese Park on Monday.
“Today, we honor the 102 individuals from all wars whose names are on our Fallen Veterans monument,” said Kevin Robinson of American Legion Post 138. “They lost their lives securing the freedom that allows us to be here today.”
Following the presentation of colors and the singing of the national anthem, Tony Stewart of American Legion Post 238 gave the devotional. Special gusts and the Gold Star mothers were recognized. Then the guest speaker, Lt. Col. Rodney Hodge, commander of the 298th CSSB, was introduced.
“We honor our war dead today, recognizing that our liberties as Americans come at a price,” Hodge said. “Communities across Mississippi have borne the lost burden of nation’s fallen from the Civil War on. So, it is fitting that we honor them all.
“Today, we gather at parks and cemeteries and monuments all around the country. We march in parades in cities and towns, big and small. We do these things to honor the loyalty and bravery of our fallen. They were ordinary people who by the virtue of their sacrifice are extra ordinary,” said Hodge.
“We also honor the families of our fallen, who have carried on with memories of their family members. They carry on, understanding that their soldier chose this life of service and understood the possibility of death for the sake of freedom,” Hodge said.
The reading of the names on the Fallen Veterans monument followed. The flag was lowered to half staff and there was a 21 gun salute. Taps were played.
The program was closed by special music. Shelby Johnson, a retired member of the Air Force Band, brought a smile to everyone’s face when he sang Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.”
Johnson lives in Memphis but has Neshoba County roots.
“Memorial Day means you are paying honor to the men and women who died protecting our country,” Johnson said. “I had uncles who were in Korea. We are honoring all who sacrificed their lives.”