FREDERICKTOWN — “Let us not forget,” said Bob Vernon, American Legion Post 500 commander, who served as master of ceremonies at the Memorial Day service at Forrest Cemetery in Fredericktown.
The Rev. Keith Bohley, a retired Air Force chaplain, delivered the keynote address to a crowd of hundreds who gathered to watch the parade to the cemetery and observe the ceremonies.
Bohley issued a challenge to the many young people in the audience, reminding them that the torch is being passed to them to protect democracy and liberty.
“You are being handed a great opportunity,” the pastor said.
Bohley, who spent time serving in the Middle East, also shared some thoughts about war.
“War is the ultimate tragedy,” he said. “I hate war.
“But in order to protect peace, somebody has to stand the fence — somebody has to stand the line,” he added.
Bohley said he recently spoke to a pacifist, who said pacifism was also believed in during World War II.
“As a pastor, I respect pacifists, but there are millions of Jewish people around the world who are grateful that not everyone holds to that belief,” said Bohley.
The retired chaplain urged everyone to remember those who had sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom.
“We honor those who gave up all their tomorrows to preserve liberty,” he said.
Many children were a part of the day’s observances. Before the parade, youngsters competed in the decorated bike contest. Lisa McMillan, 11, won first place; Caity Gaddis, 8, won second; and Max Frazier, 9, took third.
The Boy Scouts raised the flag on the square, and marched to the cemetery behind the color guard from the American Legion.
The high school and junior high Marching Scarlet and Gray bands performed in the parade and at the cemetery.
One of the parade’s youngest participants, 5-year-old Peyton Carpenter, this year’s Poppy Queen, had a place of honor in the back of a convertible.
Flowers were laid at the cemetery by Gold Star Mother Marie McMahon, as well as representatives from the VFW, American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary.
After a rifle salute by members of American Legion Post 500 in honor of departed comrades, trumpet players Geoff Bennet and Kyle Hannon played “Taps” and “Echo.”
