Memorial Day is a day to remember the fallen soldiers that charged into battle and made that ultimate sacrifice for America. This is what the community did Monday morning during the Memorial Day Service held at Veterans Circle in the Great Bend Cemetery.
Attendees along with members of many civic organizations gathered at the circle to lay wreaths in honor of these soldiers and they took a moment on to say a prayer for them and to thank them for the freedom that the American people know today.
“It is a true honor to be here today to remember the brave men and woman who made the ultimate sacrifice for our beloved country and who give the true meaning to the words valor, sacrifice, loyalty and bravery.” Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander LaForrest Bodine said. “Just like the soldiers that fight today, these brave men and woman stood tall when our country called upon them with no questions ask and died for your freedom.”
After the opening speech, the organizations began laying the wreaths to honor the fallen. This was followed by an memorial address by Bodine and a benediction by Rev. Dick Ogle.
“There is no greater honor then serving our great nation and defending her from the enemies that seek to destroy it.” Bodine said. “These brave souls never asked for anything in return for they loved this country as you do with all their heart. They did their duty and made our home a safer place to raise our families, to enjoy life to the fullest and to grant the freedom that we all enjoy today and for our future generations to cherish.”
At the end of the ceremony the crowd went silent for the 21-gun salute and the playing of taps then the people adjourned to the sidewalk area on the east side of the Arkansas River bridge south of Great Bend to honor those who died at sea.
Once finished at the bridge, people adjourned to the Golden Belt Veterans Memorial for a brief ceremony.