The weather was warm and so were the hearts of a crowd that gathered at Atmore’s veteran’s monument in front of city hall Monday on Memorial Day to honor the men and women lost in the military service of America.

Atmore’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7016 Commander Billy Gates led the ceremony that honored local veterans, as well as those lost from all over the country. Gates also introduced the day’s speaker, retired Command Sgt. Major Jackie E. Gedlin of Mobile.

Gedlin said it is important that people take time out of their typical Memorial Day activities in order to remember what the day is really about.

“In every generation, we have that subset of people that end up paying that ultimate price,” Gedlin said. “Today we are here to celebrate them. They deserve honor.”

Gedlin said Memorial Day should certainly be celebrated by Americans, but should also be acknowledged as a somber occasion.

“A holiday is a celebration,” he said. “Today is a somber day. We should celebrate, but understand what the price was that came with that three-day weekend. We should be reverent, but we should do that everyday.”

Gedlin said it also important to remember, not just the fallen military heroes, but also those who continue to fight around the world.

“Let us honor, not only those who have fallen, but those who are still serving,” he said. “They willingly put on a military uniform to defend our country. They know the risk. Today we gave thanks to those who have given so much for our country.”

Gedlin also read an excerpt from a letter from an Iraqi official thanking the U.S. for liberating his country during one of America’s most recent wars.

“This fight, like the ones before it, has had a heavy price on our children,” Gedlin said. “And it’s not just Americans that understand what freedom has cost us. They deserve our honor, our respect and our admiration.”

Gedlin said it important that Americans teach the next generation the importance of holidays like Memorial Day.
“This must be not our promise, but our guarantee,” he said. “That they may not have died in vain.”