PHOTOS BY JOHN FRYMAN/ THE VILLAGE REPORTER
21-GUN SALUTE … Members of the Joint Bryan Veterans’ Organizations (American Legion, VFW and AMVETS) honored those who sacrificed their lives for the country with a 21-gun salute during the Memorial Day Program held on Monday, May 25 at Fountain Grove Cemetery in Bryan.
PARADE … The Bryan Memorial Day Parade was led by the joint veterans’ organizations (American Legion, VFW and AMVETS) into Fountain Grove Cemetery for the annual Memorial Day program on Monday, May 25.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
Honoring those who made the sacrifice to defend our country, the Memorial Day Program was held on Monday, May 25 at Fountain Grove Cemetery.
A parade was held beginning in the Goodwill parking lot with members from the Bryan VFW Post 2489, Bryan American Legion Post 284 and Bryan AMVETS Post 54 along with the Bryan High School Band, Bonnie Blue Ribbon & Dairy 4-H Club, 4-H explorers, Girl Scout Troop No. 10499, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Brownies.
William Hall, who is the chaplain of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 83, served as Master of Ceremonies.
“Let’s thank the Lord for such a beautiful day to bring solace and remembrance for those who have served and sacrificed for the United States of America,” said Hall.
“We hope it fills your heart, we hope it brings remembrance and we hope it brings honor to those who have served and gone before us.”
Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade gave a brief address about remembrance, reflection and gratitude in describing Memorial Day as a meaningful day on the national calendar because it calls not only to celebrate freedom, but to remember the immense sacrifice made to preserve it.
“Today we honor the brave men and women of our armed forces who gave their lives in service to our nation,” she said.
“More than 1.1 million Americans have died in wartime throughout our country’s history.
“Behind every number, is a son or daughter, a parent, a friend, a neighbor, individuals who have placed service above self and gave everything for the freedoms we enjoy today.”
She also paid tribute to Gary Feeney, who had passed away in February after proudly serving in the United States Navy and dedicated countless years to supporting local veterans throughout the community and region.
“He (Feeney) served in many important roles including veteran services commissioner for Williams County and VFW District 1 commander,” Schlade said.
“Gary (Feeney) was an integral part of planning this Memorial Day ceremony for many years. His commitment to veterans, to service and to this community left a lasting impact that will not be forgotten.”
Schlade also thanked those veterans and active military members who were in attendance.
“We are deeply grateful for your service, your sacrifice and your commitment to our country,” said the mayor. “We are thankful for your safe return home while remembering our brothers and sisters in arms whose sacrifice we honor today.
“As we leave here today, we may carry with us not only our pride and our nation, but our renewed sense of responsibility to live in a way worthy of sacrifices made for us. May we never forget those who gave everything so that future generations may live in freedom.”
Following the raising of the United States Flag by the Girl Scout Troop 10499 along with the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Brownies, the Star-Spangled Banner was performed by the Bryan High School Band.
The Girl Scout Troop would then lead to the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Rick Mettert of the Bryan American Legion placed the POW-MIA flag on an empty chair as a physical symbol of the thousands of American POW-MIAs still unaccounted for in all wars and conflicts involving the United States.
“This is a reminder for all of us who spare no effort to secure the release of any American prisoners from captivity and repatriation of the remains of those who died bravely in defense of liberty and the full accounting of those that are missing,” said Mettert. “Let us rededicate ourselves to this vital endeavor.”
A presentation of Memorial Day wreaths then followed with Brianne Barlow representing Mothers of Veterans on behalf of her late son, Brandon Kreischer, a U.S. Army veteran who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan on July 29, 2019.
“Memorial Day became more than just a holiday for families like mine, it became a weekend of remembrance, reflection and honor,” said Barlow.
“I remember Brandon not only as a soldier, although I’m proud for him to sign up for something greater than himself, it will never make the pain of losing and missing him easier.”
Also making wreath presentations were Stacie Smith (VFW Auxiliary), Joanne Moats (American Legion Auxiliary), Jody Schlachter and Angie Harrington (AMVETS Auxiliary), Mike Rychener (Sons of the American Legion) and Ralph Stahler (Sons of AMVETS).
MEMORIAL ADDRESS
Following another musical selection by the high school band, Sunshine Faunce, a Williams County Veterans Service Commissioner representing members at large, gave the Memorial Day Address.
“I want to give my heartfelt thanks to all of you for attending these activities to remember the true meaning of today, Memorial Day,” said Faunce.
“There is no higher honor or more solemn privilege than to represent our nation and paying tribute to its honored dead.”
Faunce then added, “These brave Americans died doing their duty for God and Country and we know who they are. We visit the cemeteries and note the shortened dates on their headstones.
“We lay wreaths, and we adorn the graves of our veterans with flags, assemble parades, eat a hot dog or two, and spend precious time with our family and friends.
“It’s a day we honor those who fought and died to preserve our nation, a nation not of particular people, but an idea that all people are created equal, that they’re all endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
She encouraged those in attendance to take some time to remember those brave men and women who have served and died, and they should never be forgotten.
The joint Bryan veterans’ organizations followed with a 21-gun military honors salute with taps being played by Lora Manon and Khristopher Alspaugh of the Bryan High School Band.