CLEVELAND, Ga. — A Memorial Day service was held Monday, May 26, at Freedom Park in Cleveland. The weather cooperated following some morning showers, and it remained rain-free during the observance. Roy Head Post 16 American Legion Commander Kevin Franks welcomed those attending. There was a salute to all branches of the military, followed by a presentation of colors by the White County High School JROTC.
White County High School JROTC member Sawyer Martin played a moving song he wrote, “Half a Million in Arlington,” in memory of veterans who have given their lives for freedom.
Historical Society member Marcie Caudell delivered a presentation on White County’s military history. Porter Hilton and Roy Head were two White County natives and Navy service members during WWI. She tearfully recounted that they served on the USS Finland and were killed in a submarine attack. They were two of the first casualties of WWI. Porter Hill’s death has gone unrecognized until now.
During his talk to the crowd, Commander Franks recounted the stories of multiple American servicemembers who had given their lives to save their fellow soldiers. He lamented that many American military service members who are deserving of much honor often have their acts forgotten because no one was left as a witness to their bravery.
“Society likes to use the word hero. There are sports heroes, action heroes, and political heroes. But is there any group more deserving of the title than the more than one million men and women who have sacrificed their lives in defense of this nation?” asked Franks.
His speech served as a solemn reminder that our freedom is not free, but was bought by the deaths of many American heroes. The program concluded with a 21-gun salute and taps.
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