Memorial Day offers salute to the fallen

Early in the morning of Monday, the streets were still wet from the overnight rain and the sky was full of gray clouds. But as each minute passed, the weather seemed to improve and before mid-morning, the sun was breaking through for Memorial Day, a day to remember the fallen — those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

Master of Ceremonies Jack O. Mader welcomed the crowd, Dr. Jimmy Lux sang the Star-Spangled Banner and James Sizemore gave the Invocation. The flag was lowered to half-staff by Command Sergeant Major Charles Hamilton and Staff Sergeant William Hamilton.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Patty Hamilton welcome the crowd gathered at the gates along HighStreet, and delivered this message:

“Thank you to the members of the Soldier’s Monumental Association of Pickaway County (SMA) for their dedication to our community to share in the remembrance of the service members who lost their lives to maintain our freedom.

Decoration Day, now called Memorial Day, was first observed in 1868. Commander-in-Chief John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic established this national observance to honor the Union soldiers who died in the Civil War. Today, we honor the loyalty and bravery of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our freedom.

“Each of these service members took an oath to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and bear true faith and allegiance to the same. The American flag is placed beside the headstone of the graves of these military service members, as we see here today. Their sacrifices ensure our liberty, a debt we can only hope to repay by living up to our American values.

“In 1814, Francis Scott Key wrote the poem, Defense of Fort McHenry, as he was held captive on a British warship in Baltimore harbor during the War of 1812. He kept his eyes on the enormous American flag that flew over Fort McHenry. He wrote about the bombs bursting in air and the rockets’ red glare in the dawn’s early light. When he saw the broad stripes and bright stars still flying, he knew the Americans fighting were not defeated in battle.

“In another verse, he wrote:

If a foe from within strikes a blow to her glory

Down, down with the traitors that dare to defile

The flag of her stars and the page of her glory

“We stand today for the American flag as a symbol of strength and honor to our great nation. God has blessed the United States of America with brave men and women who are willing to raise the right hand to swear allegiance to defend our great nation. Each person who has ever taken the oath is willing to risk their life for America. And today, we stand here in remembrance of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for each of us.

“To quote General George S Patton, ‘the supreme measure of a man is what he would risk his life for.’ I thank every veteran, and our current servicemen and women here today, for your bravery and willingness to risk your lives for our great nation. Thank you to the families of veterans and service members that support and stand with their service member during and after their service to the United States of America.

“We must never forget those professionals who answered that noble calling to serve the people of the United States. We must not forget those that also served in peacetime as well. We do this to honor the loyalty and bravery of our fallen.

“The SMA was founded by Civil War veterans on June 23, 1878 and was incorporated on January 31, 1880. The association grew in membership and was responsible for building Memorial Hall, which was dedicated on December 29, 1891. Ours is one of only eleven in Ohio still standing today.

“Memorial Hall serves as a headquarters of the SMA with a museum on the second floor. We welcome to our association all those who have served and also patriotic Americans. May God bless you and may God bless the men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedoms. May God bless the United States of America. Thank you.”

After her speech was finished, the Honor Guard fired a salute to the fallen. The sound of a single trumpet, playing Taps, concluded the ceremony with perfection.