Art Callaham speaks during the annual Memorial Day Remembrance Program at Rose Hill Cemetery, Saturday in Hagerstown. (By Colleen McGrath, Staff Photographer) |
Through prayer, music, Civil War re-enactors in period dress, an honor guard and speeches, Rose Hill Cemetery paid tribute to Memorial Day in a service Saturday.
"It's good to see Americans honor our war veterans," said Gary Seavolt of Clear Spring.
His wife, Marguerite, said she wanted to attend the Rose Hill Cemetery service for some time and was able to for the first time this year. She said she has a deepened appreciation for veterans because of their son's service in the U.S. Air Force.
"People don't know what these men and women and their families go through to keep our freedom," Marguerite Seavolt said.
Staff Sgt. Michael Seavolt, a technical sergeant, spent six months deployed in Afghanistan, his parents said.
Arthur Callaham, a retired lieutenant colonel, delivered remarks to the crowd of 65. He discussed the history of the holiday and fallen comrades from the Vietnam War.
Callaham's voice cracked as he mentioned the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.
"Every time I pass that wall," he said, "I become emotional. ... Some Americans forgot then and some forget now (that) if not us, who will work to protect the principles of freedom for all mankind?"
Sandy Parker and Carole Mitchell of Hancock have attended the service for several years. Their husbands are part of the Marine Corps League Bulldog Detachment.
The service is a nice way to honor people who served in the military, Parker and Mitchell said.
"I really think more people should show up for it," Parker said.
"I'd encourage more people to come out and support our veterans," Mitchell said.
Lester Hart of Hagerstown has a Purple Heart and two battle stars on his uniform from World War II. He joined the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division in the spring of 1944.
"It's important for people to know, meet you and see what you did," said Hart, 93.
"It's good to see Americans honor our war veterans," said Gary Seavolt of Clear Spring.
His wife, Marguerite, said she wanted to attend the Rose Hill Cemetery service for some time and was able to for the first time this year. She said she has a deepened appreciation for veterans because of their son's service in the U.S. Air Force.
"People don't know what these men and women and their families go through to keep our freedom," Marguerite Seavolt said.
Staff Sgt. Michael Seavolt, a technical sergeant, spent six months deployed in Afghanistan, his parents said.
Arthur Callaham, a retired lieutenant colonel, delivered remarks to the crowd of 65. He discussed the history of the holiday and fallen comrades from the Vietnam War.
Callaham's voice cracked as he mentioned the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.
"Every time I pass that wall," he said, "I become emotional. ... Some Americans forgot then and some forget now (that) if not us, who will work to protect the principles of freedom for all mankind?"
Sandy Parker and Carole Mitchell of Hancock have attended the service for several years. Their husbands are part of the Marine Corps League Bulldog Detachment.
The service is a nice way to honor people who served in the military, Parker and Mitchell said.
"I really think more people should show up for it," Parker said.
"I'd encourage more people to come out and support our veterans," Mitchell said.
Lester Hart of Hagerstown has a Purple Heart and two battle stars on his uniform from World War II. He joined the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division in the spring of 1944.
"It's important for people to know, meet you and see what you did," said Hart, 93.
