BRANDON – Residents of the village of Brandon gathered on Sunday afternoon to honor and remember veterans who have served and died for our country, as well as those currently serving in the armed forces.
The Memorial Day program opened with a small parade led by flag carriers from Cub Scout Pack 330, and followed by local residents and Homer Volunteer Fire Department. The parade was led to the Miller Township Cemetery where prayer and words of honor where spoken.
“When you walk among the cemetery, you can see all the flags of those that served,” said the Rev. Marvin Haught, pastor of Brandon Baptist Church. “We will remember those sacrifices even if they didn’t die in the war, they sacrifice their time and their family to [serve].”
“We walked among the crosses. Thank you for what you’ve given. No one could ask for more. May you rest with God in heaven through now until forever more,” he read.
Haught also reminded those in attendance that Memorial Day is not only about those who have passed, but those who serve our country proud every day.
“And we want to remember them and their families, and the men and women that are serving us today and be mindful of them as they are separated from us. May God bring them home safely,” said Haught.
George Seitz, retired U.S. Army veteran, ended the service at the cemetery with playing of Taps on the bugle.
“It’s such a small parade but it’s honoring veterans from every war,” said Mary Moore, resident of Brandon. She, her husband and son have been bringing the American flag each year to the memorial service from Cub Scout Pack 330. Moore believes that almost every war has a veteran represented at the cemetery. She and her family took a picture at the grave of a Revolutionary War veteran.
The commemorative service continued at Brandon Baptist Church with music, reading, prayer, and words by keynote speaker Dr. John Fowler, local dentist and historian.
The National Anthem was performed by Aunna Stambaugh, followed by scripture reading of the book of Joshua, chapter four. Haught related the story of Joshua and the Children of Israel remembrance of the memorial stones to the nation’s celebration of Memorial Day. “When our children ask us what this day means,” he said. “we are to tell the story of those that gave their lives ... for our country and to maintain our freedom.”
Two inspiring hymns were sung during the service by the congregation, “America, the Beautiful” and “Battle Hymn of the Republican.”
All sang together the words “... O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife, who more than self their country loved and mercy more than life ... America, America. God shed His grace on thee...”
Brandon resident, Esther King, read of the important symbolism that the American flag holds to residents all across the nation and even for those across the world. “[The flag is] presently in the mountains of Afghanistan and in the hot, dusty deserts of Iraq, and whereever freedom is needed ... [The flag] has born silent witness to all of America’s finest hours but [the flag’s] finest hours are yet to come,” King read.
“The Brandon community has always honored the men and women who have upheld our love of liberty and country to serve. Ordinary men and women who have acted in extraordinary way with selfless service, honor, integrity and courage,” said Fowler, during his speech. “Ordinary men and women who at the greatest cost gave us priceless gift we all enjoy today.”
