|
Friday's Internet Edition, November 21, 2008.
Fallen soldiers honored in Galt
Memorial Day service gives thanks
|
Photo by Paige Lampson
What so proudly we hailed at in the twilight’s gleaming … God bless America and all of those who have fought to keep us free.
|
By Rachael Ackerman
Herald Editor
-
Showing their pride in America’s fighting men and women, dozens of Galt residents turned out Monday morning to honor and acknowledge the sacrifices made by those who have died in the fight to preserve freedom.
Hosted by Galt VFW Post 9888, the annual Memorial Day celebration at the Galt/Arno Cemetery was a heartfelt ceremony based on the premise that freedom is not free.
VFW Post Commander Charles Marshall opened the ceremony reminding everyone why we were gathered together on such a special occasion. St. Christopher Knights of Columbus presented the colors for the day, assisted by the boys of Galt Boy Scout Troop 28.
An annual treat for all who attend, the Galt Community Choir provided a backdrop of patriotic tunes, and performed some Old Glory favorites for the occasion.
Galt City Councilman Barbara Payne served as keynote speaker for the day, saying she had trouble trying to express her appreciation for those who have served and lost their lives to defend and protect this country.
“Where do I find words worthy of the men and women whose lives were sacrificed for my future, for your future and for the future of America,” said Payne. “There are no words I can say to you worthy of a single life that was given. So, you and I and the rest of us can only try to live a life that honors them. We can try to cherish the peace and security that we enjoy every day, and we can be thankful that our children have the opportunity to fulfill their lives.”
Payne reflected on how young American men and women have left the safety and security of home and family in the United States to travel to foreign nations and fight battles to protect the very people they have left at home.
“We are a nation of caring, caring for others, and because we care so much about freedom and the welfare of the people, we sacrifice lives and the fortunes of our country,” said Payne, who has a grandson currently serving in Iraq. “He wants to protect the American way of life. I pray that he will come home safe and sound, but no matter what happens around the world, we have faith in our future, and the future of the people of America – a faith and a belief that America will prevail.”
Honoring local vets who are no longer with us, Payne said whether they fell on the battlefield or after coming home, they deserve all the honor and recognition we can give them.
I remember Al Luna and Richard Hult, and others who are not with us here today, who fought and came home and continued to give to this country,” said Payne. “I miss them today and know the world is a better place because they lived. It is fitting that we remember them not only today, but everyday, because it is thanks to men like them that we are able to pursue our lives today.”
Payne closed by reminding everyone that no matter the division in policy, or the shift we sense sometimes in national priorities, we are still one nation, under God.
“As Americans, do not doubt why our servicemen and women have died for our country,” said Payne. “We are still a country of freedom, and a country with faith in a future that is the best in the world.”
|
|