The Grant-Reeves VFW Post 7720 of Cornelia honored America’s fallen soldiers in a solemn ceremony at the VFW Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Demorest Monday morning.
The VFW Choir performed the National Anthem and America the Beautiful for those in attendance, demonstrating patriotism and remembrance for America’s fallen heroes.
A hush fell over the morning crowd as more than 50 people gathered at the cemetery as Post Commander Barry Church stepped to the podium on this Memorial Day, welcoming the community with heartfelt gratitude.
“It’s a great thing to see this many people here this morning,” Church said. “We’re glad you’re here, and we’re glad you’re here for a reason.”
While many Americans marked the holiday with lake outings and backyard barbecues, the attendees at the cemetery came to remember. Church reminded the audience of the true meaning of Memorial Day: a sacred time of reflection, remembrance, and gratitude for the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States.
“Let’s pause to honor these men and women across all generations,” Church said, referencing sacrifices made from the Revolutionary War to the present day. “They shared one powerful ideal — service before self.”
Anniversaries of significance
This year’s observance carried particular weight as it coincides with two major military anniversaries: the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Church reflected on the staggering toll of World War II, which claimed over 400,000 American lives. He evoked powerful imagery of battles fought in Normandy, the Ardennes, and Iwo Jima. Church emphasized the courage and determination that helped defeat tyranny and secure freedom for future generations.
He also paid tribute to those who served in Vietnam. Church acknowledged the more than 58,000 American lives lost and the complex legacy of a war that tested the nation’s resolve. “They remained true to their oath,” he said. “Their service and sacrifice should never be forgotten.”
Honoring those who sacrificed
In a moving part of the ceremony, the names of major American conflicts and the corresponding military death tolls were read aloud by Chaplain Dana McCloud. After each war was named, a solemn bell tolled in remembrance:
- Revolutionary War: 25,000 deaths
- War of 1812: 15,000 deaths
- Mexican-American War: 13,000 deaths
- Civil War: Estimated 620,000–750,000 deaths
- Spanish-American War: 2,446 deaths
- World War I: 116,516 deaths
- World War II: 405,399 deaths
- Korean War: 36,574 deaths
- Vietnam War: 58,220 deaths
- Iraq and Afghanistan Wars: Over 6,800 combined
- Ongoing operations: Additional hundreds post-9/11
The reading was punctuated by rifle volleys from the honor guard, culminating in the haunting strains of “Taps,” played in tribute to all who gave their lives in service.
The crowd included local veterans, families, civic leaders, and members of the community. Church described those in attendance as “very special guests.”
“This isn’t just about mourning the dead,” he said. “It’s about recommitting ourselves to the values they fought for — peace, freedom, justice, and our country.”
As the ceremony came to a close, Church issued a powerful call to action: to remember not just today, but every day. To speak the names of the fallen, to tell their stories, and to ensure their legacy endures.
“As long as we speak their names, they will never be forgotten,” he said.
In memory of all those who served and sacrificed — let the bell toll.
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