Photo By Staff Sgt. Richard Wrigley | Rev. Larry Holst gives a prayer at the Marshes of Skidaway Memorial Day Service and...... read more read more
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FORT STEWART, Ga. - “Memorial Day is about remembering - remembering the dedication of all of our brave fighting men and women. Our nation has always been one to pursue conflict with resolve … we do not back down. Our freedoms are precious to us - we will always fight to preserve them.”
These were just some of the open remarks Lt. Col. Kevin McKay, the deputy chief of staff for the 3rd Infantry Division, gave during his speech for the Skidaway Island Memorial Day Service and Patriotic Concert, held at the Marshes of Skidaway Island, May 26.
Indeed, many local communities throughout coastal Georgia held their own observances for the Nation’s solemn day of remembrance over the course of the Memorial Day weekend. One thing many observances had in common was the participation of 3rd ID Soldiers, joining the community in remembering those who paid the ultimate price. The 3rd ID’s support ranged from providing key-note speakers, to providing bands, color guards, and even firing squads in some instances.
The support between the 3rd ID and the local communities was mutual, as all seemed to be focusing on remembrance. Many speakers throughout the varied events expressed the solemn significance of the holiday, and noted that Memorial Day was not just a day for beaches, barbecue, and general summer fun.
McKay reminded all those in attendance of the Skidaway Island service that they were gathered to remember those who died to preserve our bedrock freedoms, among them the freedom of association, of speech, of participation in governance, the freedom of choice in worship, and the freedom to pursue happiness.
Col. (R) William Izzard, the narrator for the Skidaway service, and a resident of the local community, also echoed McKay’s sentiments.
“Thanksgiving is a day when we pause to give thanks for the things we have - but Memorial Day is a day we pause to give thanks to the people who fought and died for the things we have,” Izzard said.
There are likely few communities who understand this more than the residents of the Marshes of Skidaway. Although the popular retirement community consists of a population of approximately 250 retirees, there are 72 veterans currently residing there, making the current population almost 30 percent veterans, and providing a community which both supports the Services extensively, and takes seriously the call to remember those who died for our Nation’s freedoms, explained Izzard.
Perhaps the solemn nature of the day was best encapsulated in the moving words of another one of the Marshes’ residents, Rev. Larry Holst, who opened up the service with a simple, yet moving prayer.
“…We remember… We here today are the beneficiaries of the valor and devotion to duty [of those who died in service]. Now we face the arduous task of being faithful stewards of what they have left us.”
| Date Taken: | 05.27.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 05.27.2015 02:44 |
| Story ID: | 164600 |
| Location: | FORT STEWART, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 94 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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