Retired veterans salute as the National Anthem is sung during Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony at VFW Memorial Park in Demorest. (Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham)
In the heat of the late morning underneath sunny skies, around 100 people gathered in Demorest to honor America’s fallen servicemen and women. The Grant-Reeves VFW Post 7720 hosted its annual Memorial Day ceremony Monday at VFW Memorial Park. There, amidst the graves, grateful hearts of all ages paid tribute.
VIDEO: VFW Memorial Day Ceremony
Cheyenne Rinefierd, daughter of T.J. and Jennifer Rinefierd of Cornelia, opened the ceremony by singing the National Anthem. Afterwards, VFW Post 7720 Commander Bill Miles and Post Auxiliary President Belinda Baragona laid a wreath in honor of our nation’s war dead.
“We must continue to remind Americans, unfortunately, that there is no freedom without bravery and those we honor today were brave when it counted the most,” said U.S. Air Force veteran Brandy Creel.
Creel was this year’s guest speaker. The highly decorated veteran from Towns County expressed heartfelt thanks to her fellow veterans for their service and sacrifice. She also thanked their families for “being part of our homefront.”
“Additionally we honor all families who lost a loved one while serving America and we will never forget their ultimate sacrifice,” said Creel. “All of us, collectively, understand that freedom is not free.”
Creel, who served three desert tours including Desert Storm, spoke of service and sacrifice but she focused on gratitude. She quoted General George S. Patton who famously said, “It is foolish and wrong to mourn those who died, rather we should thank God that such men lived.”
That gratitude was evident among those who made time in their holiday schedule to attend Monday’s ceremony. They listened reverently as Commander Miles called out the number of U.S. military personnel who died in war’s throughout our nation’s history. Each time he announced a number, a fellow veteran rang a bell in their memory.
The VFW Post 7720 Honor Guard followed the bell ringing ceremony with a 21-gun salute and taps.
To watch the full ceremony, click here.
Memorial Day 2019
VFW Post 7720 Memorial Park • Demorest, GA
May 27, 2019
