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Memorial Day ceremony remembers fallen heroes
Memorial Day Services were held at Mountain View Cemetery on Monday, May 28 with most of the grave sites decorated with American flags and flowers in remembrance of those who have fallen for our country.
Tom Coester, Commander of Post 26, opened the service by saying "this day is sacred with the almost visible presence of those who have gone before us. We honor the memory of those who gave their lives in service of our country, and of those others who have dropped their burdens by the wayside of life and are gone to their eternal rest. May the ceremonies today deepen your reverence for our departed friends and comrades."
The bell then tolled, followed by the "National Anthem," which was played by the organist, Marylin Lander. Everyone stood and most sang the words of the anthem. "God Bless America" was then played, followed by prayer and a recital by Carol Dalton of the poem Memorial Day, which included the lines:
I'm sure that they would do it
If it were me or you
To show we did not die in vain
But for the red, white and blue.
Let's pass on to our children
And to those who never knew
What these soldiers died for
It's the least we can do.
Coester then introduced Mayor Joe B. McNeal who said, "our cemetery looks really beautiful today. It is an honor to welcome you to this Memorial Day Service in the city of Mountain Home." He said to know the past and understand the present, produces hope. "Freedom is not free and democracy is a constant struggle."
He then introduced the key note speaker, the 366th Fighter Wing Commander, brigadier general select, Col. Tony Rock.
"Today we pause to remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for this nation-the fallen warriors who never came home to their family and friends," said Col. Rock. "Liberty is a precious gift whose benefits we all enjoy every day, but too often we give little thought to the price paid for it. Memorial Day is the one day each year on which we reflect on the tremendous sacrifices made by our fellow countrymen and women.
"'Heritage to Horizons', this is a current theme for the Air Force, and I feel it is in line with our remembrance today.
"Each year as we remember our fallen comrades, we must also remember our history, learn from it and grow from it.
"President Ronald Reagan once said, 'most of those who died in defense of our country were boys when they died, and they gave up two lives -- the one they were living, and the one they would have lived. They gave up their chance to be husbands and fathers and grandfathers... They gave up everything for their country, for us. All we can do is remember'."
Col. Rock then gave the example of Capt. Lance Sijan, whose F-4 Phantom over Laos was engulfed with flames almost immediately after dropping his bombs in 1967. He ejected, but lost consciousness and had severe injuries. He managed to escape the North Vietnamese troops for 45 days, and when he was finally captured he was little more than a skeleton. His North Vietnamese captors offered no medical treatment and beat him for not giving up military information.
He escaped, but only for a short time before being recaptured. Capt. Sijan developed pneumonia after being recaptured and died of his injuries on Jan. 22, 1968, more than two months after his plane went down.
He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his valiant resistance, the only member of the 366th Wing to earn that honor.
"The war on terrorism has produced a whole new set of heroes," Col. Rock continued. "As I mentioned before, Heritage to Horizons is a theme for the Air Force this year. I like to think of this phrase today in that our history determines our future, and the men and women of who have served both past and present, have allowed us the horizons we cherish.
"Today we honor those who left us too soon, whose lives were cut short on distant battlefields. This 'Moment of Remembrance' is something each of us can do to keep their memory alive in our hearts."
Col. Rock then handed the services back to Coester, who noted that, "Again our nation is assembling to honor its heroic dead. A thousand battles of land, sea and air echo the glory of their valiant deeds. Under the quiet sod or beneath the murmuring waves, their bodies sleep in peace. Because of them our lives are free. Because of them our nation lives on."
Following the speeches was the presentation of the wreaths by the following groups: War Mothers, Mothers of the Military, Marine Corp League, VFW Post 9585 and Auxiliary, VFW Post, DAV and Auxiliary, 11th Airborne, La Societe 40 and 8, Post 101 Auxiliaries and Post 26 Auxiliaries.
"The flowers may wither, but the spirit of which they are the symbol will endure until the end of time," said Coester. "Let us stand with bowed heads in solemn memory of our heroic dead."
The chaplain then pronounced the benediction, and a squadron of volunteer Gunfighters saluted the departed. The bugler, Bill Parker with Post 26, then played Taps, and the rifle team followed with the traditional 21-gun salute.
Following the Memorial Day Services at the cemetery coffee and donuts were provided at Post 26.