Honoring Veterans
Memorial Day marks time of remembrance, faith in God and celebration of American freedom
By Harrison Keely EDITOR

HARRISON KEELY/Sentinel Photos SERVICE AND A SMILE: Navy pilot and American Legion Post 532 member Floyd Phillips greets friends at the Square.

Over 200,000 people died when atomic bombs struck Japan, signaling an end to World War II. Speaking at the Memorial Day dedication ceremony May 24, Thomas Lyvers, senior vice commander of Allison- Bristol VFW Post 6812, said that he was thankful that the bombs prevented more American soldiers from dying for their country.

The ceremony on the Square Saturday was in honor of fallen Clay County service members, and was hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6812, and American Legion Post 532.

Bo Ford, pastor of Hanging Dog Missionary Baptist Church, delivered an opening prayer.

"This is a celebration," he said. "We have a lot to be thankful for, …celebrating those who have served so faithfully through the years and have lost their lives and given us the freedom that we have."

Ford asked the Lord to "put His arms around those who are [currently] serving in places like Iraq and Afghanistan."

HONOR AND POWER: Pastor Jackie Sellers read from Ecclesiastes chapter three at the Memorial Day service.

Then the American flagwas raised by veterans Ben Brown and Jack Gaumbeb while the colors were played solemnly on the trumpet by Chuck Reiford.

Then came the National Anthem, bringing those in attendance to their feet in patriotic honor, and later Taps, while another veteran placed a wreath at the war memorial.

Students Brittany Dills and Ashton Owens, reprising their roles from last year's ceremony, stood as one underneath the gazebo to read, one by one, the names of the honored service members, paying tribute to men they had never met who had died for the sake of their freedom.

World War I: Four names. World War II: Seventeen names. The Vietnam War: One name. Each name, however, served as a reminder, the echo of a voice reverberating long after its tongue was silenced. Love for freedom. Love for family. Love for God. One name was spoken for a man who gave his life while assisting storm victims. Love for thy neighbor.

"These men are the sons of Clay County. The price of freedom has never been cheap," Lyvers said.

Pastor Jackie Sellers spoke of Christ's love underneath the shade of the gazebo. Sellers read from Ecclesiastes chapter three of the Bible.

"A time for war and a time for peace…" He called the ceremony a time to reflectand a time for America to recommit.

"It's a prison for our minds to even imagine some of the things that have gone on for our enjoyment of this day," he said.

Afterwards, Annie Loyd, Claire Decker, the Hogsed Brothers and Vickie and Brandon Coker performed music in honor of the veterans and the occasion. Songs included the "I'm Proud to be an American," "America the Beautiful," and "How Great Thou Art."

Last year's featured speaker was Clay County Sheriff Joe Shook, who was unable to take part in Saturday's ceremony.

Ford offered the ceremony's closing prayer.

See a gallery of photos from the service.

E-mail Harrison at hkeely@smokymountainsentinel.com.

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