By By Lee “Lavan” Martin
One hundred and forty two years have passed since a drugstore owner in Waterloo, N.Y. suggested that all businesses close for one day to honor, in a solemn and patriotic manner, the fallen soldiers who lost their lives during the Civil War - a great idea then and still is today.
Atmore area veterans from the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, along with Atmore areas citizens, will gather on May 17 to commemorate Memorial Day and Armed Forces Day 2008.
The plan is to gather at Heritage Park at 10 a.m., form a parade at 10:30 a.m. and march to City Hall, where a brief ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. All veterans, whether a member of the Legion or VFW, are encouraged to join high bands and ROTC units from ECHS and Northview, Boy and Girl Scouts, fire and police vehicles from Atmore and Poarch and parade north on Main Street to Ridgeley Street to City Hall where the ceremony will be held.
Anyone, school, church, club, organization or business, is welcomed to join the parade. Veterans who have a feeling of honor, patriotism and pride in their military service and who are unable to walk the distance to City Hall are asked if possible to don their uniforms and vehicles accordingly and walk or drive to City Hall.
As we observe Memorial Day and Armed Forces Day 2008, let us remember not only those who have paid the supreme sacrifice in past wars and conflicts, but our American troops who wage war today on two fronts, Iraq and Afghanistan. Remember them in your prayers as they risk their lives fighting terrorism on our behalf rather than on Main Street Atmore.
Remember, May 17 at Heritage Park for the parade beginning at 10:30 a.m. and for the ceremony, City Hall at 11 a.m. In addition, Legionnaires, VFW Comrades, cadets and scouts, will place flags on veterans’ graves, beginning at 7:30 a.m. on May 24 and will retrieve flags at 7:30 a.m. on May 27. The gathering place for flags will be the American Legion or Oak Hill Cemetery.
So, Atmore area citizens, show your American pride and fly or display your American Flag and join veterans at Heritage Park or City Hall on May 17th.
Thank you!
Lee “Lavan” Martin is commander of the Atmore VFW.