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As the sounds of Taps were being presented by Cpl. US Marine Casey Ledbetter, three veterans laid a red, white and blue memorial wreath at a monument in downtown Forest City Monday morning during the annual Memorial Day ceremony. The wreath was placed at the monument erected in tribute to Rutherford County's WWI soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice for America's freedoms.
US Marine William Swope, US Navy's Larry Lawing and Air Force veteran Joe Daily quietly placed the wreath at the monument that was erected many decades ago by the American Legion Post in Rutherford County. The name of every fallen WWI soldier is etched in the monument.
The wreath laying concluded the 35 minute Memorial Day Ceremony as approximately 100 people gathered to paid tribute to military personnel who died serving the country.
"The heroes the wars produced are the best of America," said Chuck Brooks, US Navy.
Forest City Mayor Steve Holland welcomed the public that included dozens of veterans from different branches of the military, family and friends.
"This (day) represents those who lost their lives," Holland said. "We will remember their families...and those who sacrificed so much and never saw the results of their sacrifice."
The public was asked to always thank a veteran and show gratitude and respect to them and to take the responsibility of teaching children and youth about Memorial Day and its meaning.
Brooks also told the crowd the locations of the various wars do not matter.
"It's the heart of the men and women that really matter," Brooks said.
Doug Seebode, US Navy veteran said the soldiers being remembered gave all. "Teach our young children what it means to be an American and never forget the soldiers died for our country...We remember those who have fallen before us."
Also speaking briefly were Troy Stanley, Commander of the Christopher Ebert Marine Corps League in Forest City; Keith Price, US Navy and Rutherford County Commissioner Mike Benfield.
Benfield reminded the crowd of the passage of scripture in John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."
Poet and US Marine Doug Jackson read his latest poem in tribute to all mothers of the military personnel who died in wars. Jackson also presented the invocation and benediction.
The R-S Central MCJROTC presented the colors.
The ceremony was sponsored by the Town of Forest City, American Legion Willis Towery Post #74, American Legion Willis Towery Post #423, Disabled American Veterans Chapter #25 and the Marine Corps League CPL Chris S. Ebert Detachment #1221.
