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| Holiday Reminds Us Sacrifices Should Never Go Forgotten |
The rain falling Monday morning upon the Memorial Day observance at the Knox County Courthouse wasn't unwarranted.
Master Sergeant and featured speaker Jack Harlan called it a sign of "God's tears falling down on us." Harlan, who grew up in Abingdon and has spent seventeen years in the military, has earned countless awards for his duties.
Yet he says-- as the rain pelts the podium he speaks from-- it's the sacrifices made for American liberties and not the personal accolades that are celebrated on Memorial Day.
"It is because of the bravery and self-less actions during combat that these men displayed is why missions have been completed, battles have been won, and American lives have been saved," Harlan said. "You see, many people let Memorial Day pass without a second glance. Little do they know, they may very well owe their own existence to a soldier, sailor, airman, or marine who fought to keep them safe on foreign soil."
Harlan says those in the armed services are a special breed of people, with unquestioned devotion towards each other. He says they are a "stitch in the American flag."
Two-hundred and thirty-one Knox County service members have died since last year's Memorial Day. Each of their names were read as a final roll call Monday by local VFW veterans.
Prior to the ceremony, Harlan led the annual parade procession down East Main Street and up North Cherry Street to the courthouse.
(Master Sergeant in the Army, Jack Harlan, delivers a keynote presentation Monday morning).
(Galesburg Mayor Sal Garza holds an umbrella above Harlan during some brief showers at Monday's ceremony).
(WGIL Photos and News Story by Kyle Schassburger) |
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| 05 28 12 by Newsroom |
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