Local veterans place a wreath at the Veterans’ Park World War I monument.
CULLMAN – Veterans’ Park at Sportsman Lake was the site of solemn remembrance Saturday morning, as area veterans and their families, local dignitaries and others gathered to mark the upcoming Memorial Day and remember those who gave their lives in the armed services of the United States. American Legion Post 4 hosted the event, which was attended by members of the local chapters of the Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars, along with Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs, Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry, Cullman Police Capt. Bobby Kelly and Cullman County Commissioner Kerry Watson. Selected members of the Hanceville High School band provided live music.
After he recognized the hosts and sponsors, Jacobs’ singular remark was brief and to the point, “Really, thanks today goes to our good Lord for all the veterans past, fallen and present of this great country.”
Gentry said, “I was sitting here this morning, thinking how blessed we are to live in a community where we have this much support come out and remember our memorial weekend. We’re blessed to live in a community that we can pray openly, we can say the pledge; and that’s because of all those people that laid down their lives for us. There’s no greater love than a person who’d lay down his life for another.”
The service included a moment of remembrance for prisoners of war and those missing in action, with a memorial table and the POW/MIA ceremony:
“This Table set for one is small — Symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors. Remember!
The Tablecloth is white — Symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms. Remember!
The single Red Rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms who keep the faith awaiting their return. Remember!
The Red Ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing. Remember!
The Candle, the candle is lit — Symbolizing the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit. Remember!
A slice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate. Remember!
There is Salt upon the bread plate — Symbolic of the families’ tears as they wait. Remember!
The Chair — The chair is empty. They are not here. Remember! Remember!
All of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely, they have not forsaken you. Remember!
Remember! — Until the day they come home, remember!”
The Hanceville High School band, that played before the service and performed the National Anthem during the posting of the colors, performed a medley of each of the armed services’ anthems–Navy, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marine Corps- while veterans of each were asked to stand and be recognized in turn.
A perspective on war, from someone who saw three
Two World War II veterans were on hand for the memorial service. One of them, William Sacra, served in the Army Air Corps in the Pacific Theater, spending time in the Philippines and the occupation of Japan before returning home. He was there to see the Air Corps become the U.S. Air Force, and remained through the eras of the Korean War and Vietnam, stationed at posts in the United States.
“We’re standing by a memorial," said Sacra, "and I see all of these names; and it makes you realize how useless wars are. Wars are not the answer. Nobody wins in a war; this monument shows that- those people who didn’t come home. The days of solving problems with battles and wars should be in the past, so I hope we can avoid them in the future.”
Until that day comes, we at The Tribune are proud to know people like Sacra and our other area veterans, have helped make and keep our nation great, and that a generation of brave young people are following in their footsteps. Thank you for your service.
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