It was a brilliant day. The sun was shining, the wind gently blowing the flags. Darrell White, Commander of the Union County American Legion New Liberty Post 212, opened this year’s somber Memorial Day Ceremony with a list of names of local veterans who passed on this year and last: William Acuff, US Army; Darrell Ailor, US Marine Corps; Jim Collins, US Army; Jack Myers, US Army; Lloyd Railey, US Army; Hershell Sharp, US Air Force; Junior Smith, US Army; Bob White, US Army; Ivon White, US Marine Corps; and my former neighbor Marshal Wolfenbarger, US Army. All men who served and protected us.

Commander White reminded us that “The dangers inherent with military service…exist in every branch and in every military occupation”. More than a million men and women have “made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation while serving in wars and missions…”.

But, you know, we’re busy. You understand.

We have work and family issues. Memorial Day is a three-day weekend to eat, drink, play and be merry, right? Most of us have never served in the military and, certainly, never been shot at.

What history we learned in school was mostly to pass tests. Nothing that directly affected us. But should we not stop at least occasionally and think about what has been done for us to allow us to have the freedom lifestyle we now live? Memorial Day is the day to honor the veterans who have passed on in war. Men and women who stopped their private lives to work for us.

There were so many Americans with families and friends who did not make it home.

Private Furman Smith, from Six Mile, South Carolina, was 19 when his unit came under intense fire from German forces in Italy. He was fatally shot.

Dan Bullock was a United States Marine and the youngest U.S. serviceman killed in action during the Vietnam War, died at the age of 15.

Colonel William “Rich” Higgins was taken hostage by Hezbollah terrorists, tortured for months and hung.

The average age of combat death is 22 years old. Life had barely started. “They were brothers-in-arms but also brothers bonded by sacrifice,” said the Commander. They were kids, fathers, mothers, aunts, uncles, cousins and neighbors. Even if we do not know them personally, we should be aware of their sacrifice, be grateful and show our respect.

There was a disappointingly small number of people attending this year’s remembrance ceremony. The Sharps Chapel VFD, Maynardville VFD, NE Union VFD, Paulette VFD, Maynardville Police, Union County Sheriff’s Office, several veterans and families of veterans were all at the 2024 service to remember the sacrifices.

The Union News Leader was there and live-streamed the event. You may see their recording and hear Commander White’s words on the News Leader FaceBook page.