Memorial Day, May 28, 2018 DEWITT, MICHIGAN, May 28 – Every year for as long as anyone around here can remember, Dewitt Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 671 has led the Memorial Day parade, and the memorial services at the Dewitt Cemetery. Their color guard honoring the United States flag leads the parade along a route of about a half-mile. A few veterans follow behind in refurbished military jeeps. And the Dewitt High School Band marches behind: the drummers tapping out a marching beat. At the cemetery, the United States flag is raised to the top of the flag-pole, and then lowered to half-staff while the band plays the national anthem. The VFW commander orders the wreaths to be placed at the memorial monument for those who have sacrificed their lives in service to our country. A couple speakers remind us of the meaning of Memorial Day. The word “sacrifice” is heard. And heard again. And again. Sacrifice: the etymology traces it to Latin “sacer” which means sacred or holy & “facio” which is to do or make. In other words, a sacrifice is a sacred or holy action. For this reason, Memorial Day is a solemn day. It is a day to remember the acts of those men and women who gave their lives for our country. It is a day to honor them; to honor their acts; to honor their memory. The twenty-one-gun salute rendered by the color guard takes a matter of seconds. Three volleys. Seven shots. And then, Taps. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13 For those who have sacrificed: you are remembered. Rest in Peace.
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AuthorTom Davis is the owner of Mistletoe Enterprises LLC. He also publishes and distributes the Victory & Valor Flyer, it tells the stories of heroes from all walks of life. Archives
December 2018
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