Remembering service members who sacrificed

D

ALTON -- The soaking rain didn't stop the faithful from a service remembering soldiers who have passed on in defense of freedom.

The service in Dalton was moved to the to the Legion Hall due to weather.

Post Commander Tim Melton opened the service, followed by the Posting of Colors by the Honor Guard. Chaplain Bud Gillespie offered the opening prayer.

Pastor and Retired Marine Company Gunnery First Sgt. Pete Morgan was the main speaker. He encouraged people to always remember the importance of Memorial Day, even at a park or lake.

"When you have Memorial Day, remember -- I don't care if you remember with a hamburger on your plate and some potato salad. I don't care about that -- the point is remember who gave you your freedom to be able to do that. That was men and women who stood up and said 'you know what! I'll stand in the gap. I'll protect you, while you stay at home and sleep.' And that's what service members do ... even today," Morgan said.

He explained the importance of a quote often used with service members who died in combat.

"There can be seen in a lot of veterans memorial gardens ... it says: 'all gave some, but some gave all.' Those who passed, in battle, defending our freedoms, gave all, gave everything they had. So today, let's remember, let's remember, those who paid the price, and paved the way for you and I to be standing here or sitting here, and really remembering that price they paid, for our freedom," he said.

The service also included guest vocalists Sydney Fortune and Riley Jones, and a placing of the wreath by American legion Auxiliary representatives.