GREENFIELD — Attendees of the Memorial Day ceremony in Park Cemetery on Monday didn’t gather close together before the speakers, as they have in past years.
Instead, they dotted the area, spreading out in the small groups in which they came. Some found shade under the cemetery’s large trees. Others stood among the hundreds of American flags waving in the light breeze and gleaming in the sunlight.
While they may have been spread apart physically — social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic — Tom Miller was more focused on how undivided they all were when it came to honoring those who have died while serving in the U.S. military.
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“With the current situation in our country, it’s important to remember that we’re still together,” the commander of the Dale E. Kuhn American Legion Post 119 told attendees. “Just because we can’t see each other every day doesn’t mean that we’re not together in spirit and in memory. Those that have given the ultimate sacrifice is why we’re able to do this right now.”
More than 100 people attended the 63rd annual ceremony, an event filled with remembrance, honor and prayer.
Eric Billman, past state commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, an Army veteran and the event’s guest speaker, said Memorial Day is about paying tribute to sacrifices made for the country’s freedom.
“As we enjoy living in the land of the free and the home of the brave, we must continue to remind Americans that there is no freedom without bravery, and those we honor today were brave when it counted the most,” Billman said.
Americans take great pride in those heroes, he continued.
“They had the strength when the situation demanded it, determination when everything else felt lost, and devotion, courage and patriotism when others looked for guidance,” Billman said. “No one ordered them to practice the most basic of human ideals. They did it because they’re American and live in a nation worth defending. Generation after generation has been fortunate enough to reap the benefits paid for by those who believe freedom is worth fighting, and, if necessary, dying for.”
He urged those who attended the ceremony to carry on their memory.
“Flowers, memorials, flags at half staff and the sorrowful notes attached, as meaningful as they are, is not nearly enough,” Billman said. “What we really must do to honor their sacrifice is to live what they died for — live the America they died for — a country of freedom, equality, opportunity and unlimited promise. Live filled with hope, hope that what they gave us will last forever, and that freedom and opportunity will find all who seek it.”
The Greenfield Veterans Honor Guard carried out a rifle salute before Bill Huffman played “Taps” on a bugle
Steve Brackney, chaplain of the Dale E. Kuhn American Legion Post 119, in his benediction also encouraged attendees to carry on the memory of military members who have died.
“As we leave this sacred place this morning, may we go forth as changed persons,” he said. “May the lives of these brave soldiers and sailors buried here serve as constant reminders for us to follow their example and live our lives, not for ourselves, but for the greater good of others.”
Miller told the Daily Reporter after the ceremony that the pandemic prompted questions over whether to hold the annual event at all.
“We didn’t allow that to occur; we wouldn’t allow that to occur,” he said of a cancellation. “I think that more than ever, these types of ceremonies are imperative for Americans. They need to know we’re still here.”
Linda Revolt, Greenfield, attended with members of her family. Nine members of her family have been in the military, including her grandson, who currently serves. Others served in World War II and the Vietnam War.
“We really appreciate them honoring the service guys out here, and not forget the services they gave us,” she said.
Standing not far from the hundreds of American flags covering the cemetery’s grounds, she said she’s proud to have one of her own waving outside her house.
“I love having my flag out flying,” she said.
