To commemorate the sacrifices of America’s fallen heroes, the American Legion #122 held its annual Memorial Day remembrance Monday morning at the county complex.
The program featured patriotic songs by State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver, Victoria Vincent performing the national anthem and a poem about a World War II veteran authored by the late Ben Herman and read by Susan Hinton. Members of Scout Pack #347 posted Colors and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Judy Redman, President of the American Legion #122 Women’s Auxiliary recognized Gold Star Mothers and Gold Star spouses.
“This morning I want to remember those men and women, who gave their lives for our freedom. I would also like to remember the families of those who gave their lives. I know they too have sacrificed, “said Don Rigsby, keynote speaker for the program.
Rigsby retired from the United States Air Force on July 1, 1998 after more than 31 years of active and reserve military service including duty in Southeast Asia in 1968 through 1969. Upon his retirement from the Air Force, Rigsby was the Recruiting and Retention Supervisor for the Tennessee Air National Guard.
In his remarks, Rigsby spoke of the freedoms we enjoy in America because of our veterans and he referred to a poem to help illustrate the point.
“It is the Veteran, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the Veteran, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the Veteran, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the Veteran, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.
It is the Veteran, who salutes the Flag,
It is the Veteran, who serves under the Flag.”
He also quoted British philosopher John Stuart Mill in saying that “War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling is much worse. A person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight is a miserable creature .”
“There are some things worth fighting for. Our freedom to live in America and our freedom to worship God. I say to you this morning, God Bless the USA. God Bless those who have fought and died for our freedom. Let us never forget them,” Rigsby concluded.
Following the program, a wreath was placed at the site of the Veterans Memorial Monument on the south side of the courthouse.