American Legion and boy scouts join to present Memorial Day Ceremony
Each year, Memorial Day rolls around with many of us enjoying the day as a respite from work, picnicking and spending time having outdoor fun with friends and family. However, it is important to acknowledge and remember that our day of respite on Memorial Day came at the expense of our servicemen and women who dedicated themselves to lives of sacrifice, especially the many who gave their lives, in defense of our freedom. Two local groups ensured that our servicemen and women received that honor by hosting a Memorial Day service.
Bristow American Legion Post 126 and Boy Scouts of America Bristow Troop 571 joined efforts this past Memorial Day to present a Memorial Day service at the Bristow City Cemetery in honor of all our deceased servicemen and women. Community members were invited to attend, and the service began at 11 a.m. Bristow High School graduate and United States Army Colonel Carl Chasteen was the guest speaker. Additional organizations and businesses participated in and contributed to the service.
Bristow Public School’s retired teacher and local community volunteer Letha Caudle stated that she believed more than one-hundred people attended the service, specifically noting that all seats were filled with additional rows of people standing and sitting in lawn chairs. She continued, noting that as the ceremony opened, attendees were welcomed and reminded of Memorial Day’s true purpose.
Following opening remarks, American Legion Chaplain Charles Battenfield provided the invocation, which was immediately followed by a moment of silence in honor of all servicemen and women who became prisoners of war (POWs) or missing in action (MIA) during their service. The Boy Scouts then presented the Pledge of Allegiance and posting of colors. Isaac Yocham sang the national anthem a cappella, which Ms. Caudle said “was so good it gave me chills”. Immediately after the singing of the national anthem, Gold Star and Blue Star families were introduced as well as active- duty servicemen and women and veterans in attendance.
Guest speaker retired U.S. Army Colonel Carl Chasteen provided the Memorial Day address, which Ms. Caudle said she enjoyed in its entirety. She said “I loved his speech. It was an honorable speech of perfect length. I don’t believe they could’ve chosen a better speaker for this year’s ceremony. The service was wonderful from beginning to end.” Nancy Findlay also stated the service was “very nice and well done”.
Upon conclusion of Colonel Chasteen’s address, Sheila Davis Pollard played the taps and representatives of Bugles Across America assisted with the wreath ceremony portion of the service. The service concluded with the benediction.
Finally, attendees received service programs provided courtesy of Hutchins Maples Matherly Funeral Home.