Memorial Day Service held in Cedartown's Veteran's Memorial Park
May 25, 2009 | 552 views | 1 
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Despite an ominous sky, over a hundred people turned out to Veteran’s Memorial Park in Cedartown for the 2009 Memorial Day Service.
Many local veterans could be spotted throughout the crowd wearing decorated uniforms.
The program opened with a prayer by local minister and veteran Marvin Mobbs. Colleetoe Sanders then sang the National Anthem as attendants turned toward the American flag. The flag was then lowered to half-staff to honor those who served in the military.
The program then turned to an emotional high note as two Cedartown American Legion posts, posts #86 and #524, participated in a 21-gun salute. Rhonda Sizemore followed with the playing of Taps.
Sergeant First Class Brad Ragan, of Cedartown, who is active in the United States Army, placed a wreath for his fellow comrades in front of the podium.
Marvin Hampton, chairman of Veteran’s Memorial Park, introduced the event’s speaker, Lt. Col. Rick Hall, Ret. U.S. Air Force.
Hall’s speech centered on the responsibility of American citizens, and in closing he offered a call to action to those in attendance.
Hall told the crowd that he was flattered and honored to be chosen to speak on this very special day.
“It is my duty to you,” Hall said.
Hall then spoke about the continuing diminishment of Memorial Day’s meaning, as it has become a holiday where the dead are memorialized, but not necessarily those who served in the Armed Forces. Hall said memorializing the dead is fine, but that we should also remember those who fought for our country.
“I am always thankful to see Americans honoring soldiers in an airport or restaurant,” Hall said. He pointed out that veterans returning from Vietnam were unfortunately not welcomed by Americans when they returned home from active duty.
However, Hall also wanted to point out some of the great things about our country.
“Regardless of what you hear, we’re still living in the greatest country in the world,” Hall said prompting cheers and applause from the crowd.
Hall called out the attendants, asking them to dig around for the good news in a society where bad news sells. He also challenged those in attendance to ask their local officials what they can do to help rather than simply complaining.
Finally, he urged the crowd to support and pray for our Commander in Chief even though some may have disagreements with him. He pointed out that with the current climate in the world, America must resolve to take the role of a leader in the world.
Hampton then closed the ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance, and a special Memorial Day tribute.
He said, “They answered their country’s call to arms, into battle they did go. Where their final destination was, no one will ever know. May their final resting place, under some unknown sod, be forever hallowed for it is known only to God.”
Many local veterans could be spotted throughout the crowd wearing decorated uniforms.
The program opened with a prayer by local minister and veteran Marvin Mobbs. Colleetoe Sanders then sang the National Anthem as attendants turned toward the American flag. The flag was then lowered to half-staff to honor those who served in the military.
The program then turned to an emotional high note as two Cedartown American Legion posts, posts #86 and #524, participated in a 21-gun salute. Rhonda Sizemore followed with the playing of Taps.
Sergeant First Class Brad Ragan, of Cedartown, who is active in the United States Army, placed a wreath for his fellow comrades in front of the podium.
Marvin Hampton, chairman of Veteran’s Memorial Park, introduced the event’s speaker, Lt. Col. Rick Hall, Ret. U.S. Air Force.
Hall’s speech centered on the responsibility of American citizens, and in closing he offered a call to action to those in attendance.
Hall told the crowd that he was flattered and honored to be chosen to speak on this very special day.
“It is my duty to you,” Hall said.
Hall then spoke about the continuing diminishment of Memorial Day’s meaning, as it has become a holiday where the dead are memorialized, but not necessarily those who served in the Armed Forces. Hall said memorializing the dead is fine, but that we should also remember those who fought for our country.
“I am always thankful to see Americans honoring soldiers in an airport or restaurant,” Hall said. He pointed out that veterans returning from Vietnam were unfortunately not welcomed by Americans when they returned home from active duty.
However, Hall also wanted to point out some of the great things about our country.
“Regardless of what you hear, we’re still living in the greatest country in the world,” Hall said prompting cheers and applause from the crowd.
Hall called out the attendants, asking them to dig around for the good news in a society where bad news sells. He also challenged those in attendance to ask their local officials what they can do to help rather than simply complaining.
Finally, he urged the crowd to support and pray for our Commander in Chief even though some may have disagreements with him. He pointed out that with the current climate in the world, America must resolve to take the role of a leader in the world.
Hampton then closed the ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance, and a special Memorial Day tribute.
He said, “They answered their country’s call to arms, into battle they did go. Where their final destination was, no one will ever know. May their final resting place, under some unknown sod, be forever hallowed for it is known only to God.”
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Rick Hall said that we should pray for our leaders and indicated that this may be difficult but I would say it's easy to pray for our leaders...pray that God will direct them and help them do what is in the best interest of the American people not his/her self-interest or political party.