Fallen veterans honored

Flags, speeches, uniforms, crowds and decorated graves marked Memorial Day ceremonies at the cemetery Monday.

Under crisp, blue skies the haunting sound of "Taps" echoed across Mountain View Cemetery Monday as the community gathered for Memorial Day ceremonies in Mountain Home.

Three rounds of shots rang out, a final military salute for those veterans laid to rest on the hallowed ground, their graves marked by small American flags.

Across the cemetery loved ones gathered at the gravesites to remember those who have passed and to place fresh flowers at the headstones.

"It is fitting," said Col. Chris Short, 366th Fighter Wing Commander and the featured speaker for the day, "that our nation chooses the last Monday in May as Memorial Day.

"This day marks the beginning of summer, and what could be a more fitting tribute to men and women who died in service to their country than the day that gives birth to a season filled with warmth and life?"

"Memorial Day," he said, "is not to be a day of solemn mourning, but a day of reverent celebration."

For more details, pick up a copy of this week's Mountain Home News.