Memorial Day
Under gray skies, Emporia paid tribute to its war dead this morning at the Veteran’s Memorial near Soden’s Grove Park. The Emporia Municipal Band played, the Sweet Adelines sang and we all repeated the Pledge of Allegiance which was led by the Scouts. Prayers were said.
Larry Timmons, Ret. Navy, gave a nice talk. A roll call was read - of veterans who died this past year. Wreaths were laid at the various memorials. Some wreaths were cast upon the water - in the Cottonwood River. The ceremony ended with a firing squad salute and “Taps.”
One special note, the guys who flew this very chopper in Viet Nam were guests at the event.
On this day, I think about my 80-something-year-old friends who served in World War II. I think about my Grandfather who signed up for World War I, my Uncle Laramie who fought in Korea. And I think about the courage of those fighting today. May they be safe. May they return home soon.
May all the living who serve our country be saluted, and may all those who gave their lives for our country be remembered.
The opportunity to visit Arlington National Cemetery is one everyone should have. If you ever have the opportunity, don’t miss it.
I’ve been to Arlington twice and both times saw a tombstone with “Middleton” on it.