Memorial Day honors fallen heroes

A good crowd of several hundred people, plus nearly 300 uniformed volunteers from the 366th Fighter Wing, turned out Monday for solemn Memorial Day ceremonies at Mountain View Cemetery.

"Comrades," said Pat Crook, American Legion Post No. 26 commander, "this day is sacred with the almost visible presences of those who have gone before us..."

In their name, he said, "let us renew our pledge of loyalty to our country and our flag."

Legion Auxiliary President Carol Dalton read the poem, "In Flander's Field," noting that the Legion had adopted the poppy as its memorial flower, and urged all present to donate to the Legion poppy fund, which is used to support disadvantaged veterans.

Mayor Joe McNeal thanked the volunteers from the wing, who stood in ranks, for their sacrifices on behalf of the nation, and then introduced the day's featured speaker, Col. Charles Shugg, commander of the 366th Fighter Wing.

In a brief but moving speech, Shugg noted that Memorial Day "is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. It is about coming together to honor those who gave their all. Without the collective efforts of many individuals, our nation would not enjoy the freedoms and rights that we have today.

"Memorial Day was first officially observed on 30 May, 1868," he said, "when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

"On Memorial day we honor our predecessors who successfully defended the idea of freedom at home and around the world. Today's generation continues to enjoy the fruits from the seeds that were sown by yesterday's generation. It is humbling to think of the sacrifices our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines made for us in the name of freedom. Forty-eight million have served our country since 1776, and of those, nearly 1 million made the ultimate sacrifice for us," Shugg said.

"By gathering together on Memorial Day, we salute the memory of those brave men and women. Those who have gone before us have enabled nations to be established by the people and for the people. They have rescued others from tyranny and injustice. They have made our world safer and have fought for those who were unable to defend themselves.

"Our current armed forces honor those men and women daily by continuing their legacy and striving for excellence in all that they do. Our pledge is to never forget their bravery, patriotism, honor, and courage.

"I can assure you," the wing commander said, "that your airmen give all they have to keep our aircraft protecting the skies above free nations.... Whether on home soil or deployed overseas, our servicemen and women's commitment to excellence is unwavering.

"I am extremely proud that our servicemen and women from Idaho actively support the legacy of our veterans.

"Many members of Mountain Home AFB and our Idaho National Guard are deployed overseas in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism," he said, noting that "these soldiers and airmen serve their country voluntarily to preserve the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. They have excelled in their training and preparation, and I am proud to report they are excelling at the mission today."

He went on to praise the local community.

"Our servicemen and women and their families are in good hands in Mountain Home. The community of Mountain Home is always there with their unwavering support when we deploy. You keep us in your thoughts and prayers while we are in harms way, and you welcome us home with open arms when we return. You have a rich tradition of looking after your adopted military sons and daughters and showing your unending support. I have no doubt that you will continue to be a beacon to the rest of Idaho and America for many days to come....

"I am honored," he told the silent crowd, "to have been able to represent our magnificent servicemen and women today. I thank the American Legion for their commitment to our military past and present. I especially want to thank the town of Mountain Home and all who attended today for your steadfast support that makes our calling especially meaningful, not just on Memorial Day, but every day."

The National Anthem was performed on the violin and guitar by Noel Metzer and Lyle Powell and wreaths of rememberance were laid by a variety of local veterans' organizations. Then, following a 21-gun salute from the Legion's rifle team, "Taps" was played, the haunting tune echoing across the cemetery that was filled with flags adorning the graves of the veterans buried there.