May 2020
Annual memorial day commemoration
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AMERICAN FLAGS TO BE PLACED IN SIX AREA CEMETERIES FOR MEMORIAL DAY
By Legion Commander Rod Worth For the first time in memory there will not be a program presented by the American Legion in commemorating that most solemn holiday – Memorial Day. Due to the current situation with COVID-19 it was obvious we would be unable to have a meaningful program attended by the patriotic citizens on Lexington. The support of this city at past programs has been tremendous and is a testament to our citizen’s understanding of the sacrifice that has been made to keep our nation free. |
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On Memorial Day we will place American flags on over six hundred veteran’s graves at six area cemeteries: Lexington, Pleasant Hill, Scrogin, Clarksville, Dawson, and Lawndale. The flags represent a tribute from the community for those veteran’s service to our country. Because we will have no formal ceremony this year, all residents will have the opportunity to visit the cemeteries and see all the flag-draped gravesites. It is a stunning visual representation of the contribution our community has made to the United States of America.
The spirit of Memorial Day can be summed up by these words spoken by President Ronald Reagan at Arlington National Cemetery in 1985. “It is, in a way, an odd thing to honor those who died in defense of our country in wars far away. The imagination plays a trick.
“We see these soldiers in our mind as old and wise. We see them as something like the founding fathers, grave and gray-haired. But most of them were boys when they died. Many gave up two lives – the one they were living, and the one they would have lived. When they died they gave up their chance to be husbands and fathers and grandfathers. Many gave up everything for their country - for us! All we can do is remember!”
The spirit of Memorial Day can be summed up by these words spoken by President Ronald Reagan at Arlington National Cemetery in 1985. “It is, in a way, an odd thing to honor those who died in defense of our country in wars far away. The imagination plays a trick.
“We see these soldiers in our mind as old and wise. We see them as something like the founding fathers, grave and gray-haired. But most of them were boys when they died. Many gave up two lives – the one they were living, and the one they would have lived. When they died they gave up their chance to be husbands and fathers and grandfathers. Many gave up everything for their country - for us! All we can do is remember!”