REMEMBERING THE FALLEN
Published 10:47 am Monday, May 30, 2022
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Annual Memorial Day Service held today at Atmore Veterans Monument
As the wind blew through the Veterans Monument in Atmore on Monday, the memories of those service members who died in service to the country were at the forefront of those gathered at the annual Memorial Day Service.
The Atmore VFW Post No. 7016 and the American Legion Post No. 90 presented the Memorial Day Service.
Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. The day is a day of commemoration for those who have fallen in action while serving in the United States’ military service. Memorial Day is held on the last Monday of May each year.
Escambia County Veterans Service Officer Gene Moore, U.S. Army-retired, was the keynote speaker.
Moore retired as a first sergeant in the U.S. Army. He said when he went to basic training, he had no idea what was in store for him.
“How did I serve for 24 years? I joined when I was 12 years old,” Moore quipped. “It is truly an honor to be before you today.”
Moore reminded the crowed that today is Memorial Day, and not Veterans Day.
“Today, we pay homage to the men and women who have given their all,” he said.
Moore spoke about the perspective of taking an oath, which every soldier does when joining the military.
He said oaths are important because they’re a declaration of a soldier’s commitment to serve.
Moore also spoke about the transition soldiers go through from military life to civilian life, and its challenges.
He said many veterans are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and others as they try to make a transition.
Moore said more than 400,000 veterans live in Alabama.
“In the United States, 12 veterans commit suicide every day,” he said. “My challenge to each Alabamian is each one, reach one.”
VFW Commander Billy Gates and AML Commander Dave Graham placed the wreath, and Harold Madison and his team said the Memorial Roll Call. Jim Biggs rang the bell after each segment of the roll call was said.
Then, a fire team fired in the air some three times, and taps was played.
