O'Fallon Memorial Day Ceremony Honors Military Heroes, Families
O'Fallon residents gathered at the Veterans Memorial Walk on Monday to pay tribute to past and present service men and women.
Photos
A large crowd began their Memorial Day by gathering at O'Fallon's Veterans Memorial Walk to pay tribute to our service men and woman who are currently serving and those who lost their lives serving our country.
The ceremony began with American Legion Post 388 presenting the colors and Chairman of O'Fallon's Veterans Commission Sheldon Hartsfield and Mayor Bill Hennessy welcoming the crowd with opening remarks.
The ceremony welcomed two keynote speakers. Army National Guard Sgt. First Class Reggie Hunt, spoke first, asking the crowd to "maintain their patriotism so future generations will know that the United States is a strong and proud nation that will never give up."
State Rep. Kurt Bahr, a former Air Force veteran also spoke at the Memorial Day ceremony. Bahr said for some, Memorial Day marks the first day of summer with barbecues and swimming, but he encouraged the crowd to keep in mind the real meaning of the holiday is to take time "to remember lost comrades and family members."
What does Memorial Day mean to you and your family? How did you spend the day?
Cheryl Hibbeler
8:39 am on Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Let's celebrate Memorial Day by doing something for the veterans who are still alive, not just the deceased ones. Lots of people love parades. I do too. Step back from the whole "we honor our heroes" thing and take a good look at exactly how we honor them. Parades don't feed them when they are homeless. Yes, there is a "feel good" moment for them and for us, but, wouldn't we give them more support by paying for their needs after we've sent them "into harm's way"?