Debbie Snapp
ECB Publishing, Inc.
On Memorial Day, Americans pause to reflect upon their blessings as a nation and the high cost of those blessings for many.
On this year's Memorial Day, the Jefferson County Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 251 honored local veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Because the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at New Bethel A.M.E. Cemetery had been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the members of VFW Post 251 and New Bethel A.M.E. Church visited a local cemetery to place American flags on gravesites and offer prayers over fallen servicemen on Monday, May 25.
Post 251 Commander Ned Hill was just one of many who arrived at the cemetery to place flags at the gravesites of every veteran laid to rest there.
“Thanks to all for your continued support of our veterans,” adds Commander Hill. “Thank you for the freedom we enjoy in this country, for opportunities to flourish, and for the security of our land. Thank you for those who have served in the armed services of our country, risking their lives for our liberty. And for those who have given their lives in service to our country, sacrificing in such a costly way for the sake of others.
Commander Hill continues: “Thank you for a day set apart, not just for celebration, but also for solemn remembrance as we consider the sacrifices of so many in our military.”
Fallen soldiers remembered during Memorial Day program
Debbie Snapp
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Monticello's Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 251 presented a veterans program on Memorial Day at the New Zion Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, which is located in Greenville, Fla.
Several guests visited the cemetery grounds to respectfully attend this program and everyone who attended shared memories of their loved ones and stories about their military service.
City and county officials were also present for this solemn time of remembering and sharing.
VFW Post Commander Ned Hill recognized the servicemen and women who gave their lives to the call for freedom and the United States of America. He also offered patriotic participation with VFW Post 251 for educational programs at the church and in the county including patriotic programs on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
Several veterans spoke about their war days, including Sergeant Major Bernard Washington giving an overview of the men in his Vietnam unit.
Maps of the cemetery were passed out to the attendees to identify gravesites, specifically military veterans.
The VFW Post 251 will also work on development drawings, identify all the military veteran graves, including the veterans' identifying numbers, military affiliation and possible dates of demise.
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