Day of Remembrance held at Memorial Park Cemetery

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — During the day of remembrance, an annual service at Memorial Park Cemetery in East Memphis reflected on those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“We always get a very very nice turnout. We definitely have a lot of families calling in who want to know about our event. We share that with them and again it’s just growing every year,” said Terry Richards, Memorial Park Funeral Home.

The service was all about those who are no longer with us.

“It’s about pausing though and remembering the brave men and women who gave their lives so we could live our lives free of oppression and terrorism,” said Jim Purdy, Retired United States Navy.

Many people also had their own personal reflections.

“Both of our parents were in World War Two. They didn’t die in the battle, but they served our country. And not only does it honor the fallen ones, but both of our parents have passed away and we honor them in this way as well,” said Jim Smith, East Memphis resident.

“For my wife and I each year we remember her brother Charles Ray Kelly, who was on a ship where the boiler blew up and unfortunately, he succumbed to that boiler explosion and then my own family member Robert Forman, Jr. from Lake Charles, Louisiana, was killed in a tank battle in the army. And so every year we remember him. They are stalwarts and giants in our respective families,” said James Barnes, Arlington resident.

During the service, a wreath was laid in honor of those who sacrificed their lives. There was also a Cannon salute.

Many are grateful for what we have today that came from the sacrifice of those who served.

“It instills this into our hearts, honoring our country,” Smith said.

“It’s important for young people to understand that our freedom is not free,” Barnes said. “Great sacrifices made for what we enjoy today.”

The memorial service was followed by free hotdogs and ice cream for those who were in attendance.

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