'Without them' there'd be no America
Because of the ultimate sacrifices made by numerous men and women in uniform throughout America's history, we enjoy the lifestyle and freedoms we hold dear, U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin, and others said on Monday morning.
'Without the bravery and commitment of our [men and women in uniform] there would be no American story,' Williams said. 'Throughout American history those in uniform have stepped up to protect and defend our people and uphold the values that make our country the greatest in the history of the world.'
More than 80 residents, many of them veterans and/or family members of veterans, gathered at Cleburne Memorial Park Cemetery to honor those lost in past wars.
The early hours of Monday saw downpour, which played out by the time the ceremony's 10 a.m. start time.
'Isn't God good?' American Legion Auxiliary member Marty Peters asked as she opened Monday's ceremony. 'It's not raining and I had prayed that it wouldn't be all week.'
Cleburne Police Chief Rob Severance referenced Memorial Day's true purpose while delivering the opening prayer.
'We come this morning to honor those who gave the last full measure of devotion for the freedoms we hold dear,' Severance said. 'We thank you for the brave men and women who laid down their lives in defense of our nation.'
Severance spoke of the enormity of those sacrifices.
'Their courage, their selflessness and their unwavering commitment to duty are etched forever into the soul of our country,' Severance said. 'May we never take for granted the liberties they died to protect.'
Cleburne Mayor Pro Tem Blake Jones talk of the importance with which Cleburne's first responders, community leaders, residents and especially veterans hold service.
'We gather today in solemn remembrance, deep gratitude and unwavering respect for the men and women who gave their lives in service of our great nation.
'And not only their sacrifices, but to recommit ourselves to the values they defended including freedom, duty and country.'
Williams, who served as keynote speaker, agreed.
'Memorial Day is a time for us to gather and reflect on the true cost of our freedom,' Williams said. 'May we be inspired by the patriotism and valor of those who gave their today so that we can simply have our tomorrow.'
Williams discussed the history of Decoration Day, which over time became Memorial Day and reiterated the importance of paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
'Those heroes carry a legacy of honor, strength and steadfast duty to defend against those who threaten America's freedoms and liberty,' Williams said.
That, Williams added, must never be forgotten and places a duty on all of us as well.
'As Americans, we've proudly carried this tradition forward,' Williams said. 'But it remains our duty to ensure that our next generation never loses sight of the importance of this day. We must never take for granted the freedoms and liberties our service men and woman valiantly fought to preserve.'
U.S. Army Veteran Terry Mangrum spoke of how, after completing his military service in 1987, he came home to start a business. Mangrum recalled Jeremy Allmon who he employed in 1987 and who, in part inspired by Mangrum, decided to join the military.
'He was 17,' Mangrum said. 'I myself was 17 when I joined. On Feb. 5, 2005 I was at a pastor's conference in Phoenix when I got word that he had been killed by an improvised explosive device. I believe he was the first Johnson County resident killed in the Iraqi War.'
The point, Mangrum stressed, is for all of us to heed our calling being that military service or elsewhere and then do our best to contribute back.
Cleburne Chamber of Commerce President Tracy Thomas also spoke of honor and remembrance due those who paid the ultimate price as well as their loved ones left behind.
'Words can never replace the emotional feelings that each and every one of them have gone through,' Thomas said. 'We must never forget.'
Sons of the American Legion member James Feaster highlighted the POW/MIA Table and the significance of the items placed upon it while ALA President Candy Maples discussed the significance of the Military Child Ceremonial Table while several children added items to it.
Peters and former Cleburne ALA Past President Nelda Grande discussed the importance of poppies and the World War I poem 'In Flanders Fields.'
Elisha Leonard, daughter of a Vietnam veteran, discussed the history of 'Taps' after which Cleburne student Lukas Leonard played the same while several children joined Williams in placing a wreath on a veteran's grave.
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