Pat Nanney
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 11:19 am
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Chris Bucy of the sponsoring Chris Ebert Detachment #1221 Marine Corps League was the Master of Ceremonies for the Forest City Memorial Day Service held at POPS.
Chris said this was a time to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by those who fought for the freedom and security of our nation and other nations. He quoted statistics showing that almost one million three hundred thousand Americans had died in all combined wars. This did not include other members of the armed services who died from service related illnesses after leaving the military.
Bucy encouraged the audience to support these veterans saying that "talk without action doesn't mean anything."
The Singcerly Quartet performed the National Anthem and God Bless America.
Greg Ruppe of the SDO Fire Department spoke of his family who had served in the military and the importance of passing down the reason for Memorial Day to children and grandchildren. He said he was thankful for those who died for freedom of the United States and expressed appreciation to veterans for their service.
Congressman Tim Moore said it was important to remember to take care of veterans. He stated he was thankful to live in a nation where men and women had died in voluntary service to the country.
"Veteran suicide is at an all-time high," the congressman said, and that community resources should be available to those veterans with life-changing disabilities.
Local veteran Doug Jackson read an original poem entitled "Warriors" and later read another about Gold Star Mothers.
Rutherfordton Mayor Jimmy Dancy, an Army veteran, was the featured speaker. He spoke of his 26 years in town government, 16 years as mayor. Although he did not serve in combat he said he did witness the effects of combat on his dad. "You may leave combat but combat never leaves you." He stated he felt pride in our nation, pride in the flag and pride in a uniform. He called his grandson Jackson Holtzclaw to the stage saying everyone owes it to the youth to help them remember those that committed themselves to service of the country.
The Honor Guard placed the wreath in remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives in service to the country. The flag was lowered to half staff where it remained until noon on Memorial Day and Taps was played to end the ceremony.