By JESSICA PETERSON
The Progress
A special flagraising ceremony was held at the Overton Pioneer Cemetery on the morning of Memorial Day, May 30. Veterans and local attendees gathered at the cemetery gate to honor those who have fallen while serving their country.
It was a beautiful, and uncharacteristically cool morning. Many attendees began arriving early, dressed in patriotic colors. Each received a small American flag at the cemetery entrance and proceeded to mingle, share war stories, and visit the graves of loved ones in the cemetery.
The flagraising ceremony began at 7 am sharp. Approximately twenty people gathered to watch as local VFW member Darcy Bushman raised the colors. Also assisting in the ceremony were local veterans Bryant Robison, Michael Moriarty, and Sterling Akers.
Once the flag was raised to the top of the flagpole, the four veterans turned to face the crowd. Everyone in attendance joined together to recite the pledge of allegiance and sing “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Then local resident Bryan Mortensen stepped forward to offer a prayer expressing gratitude for the men and women who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and prosperity of the American people.
Following the prayer, VFW Auxiliary Junior Vice President Lorraine O’Dell gave a brief tribute.
“Service means sacrifice,” O’Dell said. “Even if that sacrifice means giving one’s life.”
She then encouraged members of the audience to share the name of the person or people they were there to honor. One by one, attendees raised their hands to say the names of grandfathers, uncles, brothers, sons, friends, and more.
Each veteran took a moment to share their own names, the war in which they fought, how many years they had served and the family and friends they had lost.
“We all have tragedies and sorrows in our families,” O’Dell told the emotional audience. “Let us never forget them and always honor their names.”
O’Dell then invited the crowd to think of things they could do to remember the people who sacrificed their lives. Some suggestions included dedicating a new, more accessible memorial to lost veterans as well as donating to the local VFW and continuing to serve the country. O’Dell also suggested simply reaching out to surviving veterans to provide support as needed.
“Tell them how much you appreciate them,” she said. “Ask them questions. They love America. Thank them for their service. Thank them for what they’ve done.”
The ceremony then came to a close and attendees came forward to pay their respects. “Let us remember this day,” O’Dell said. “We hope to see everyone next year on Memorial Day at 7 o’clock sharp at Veteran’s Park!”
