Local towns remember those who gave their all
May 30—LENOIR — Memorial Day is a time to remember those who lost their lives while serving the United States Armed Forces. To help commemorate this day, The towns of Hudson and Sawmills, as well as the city of Lenoir, held Memorial Day ceremonies.
Hudson's Memorial Day service was held at the HUB Station. Sgt. Lorenzo Kelly, post commander American Legion 392, U.S. Air Force, and Larry Chapman read the names of service members from Hudson and Caldwell County who gave their lives in the service of their country, beginning with World War I and proceeding through the war in Afghanistan.
Eric Setzer led those in attendance in singing "God Bless America."
"I urge the citizens of Hudson to remember that it is our duty to preserve the legacy of these brave Americans, realizing that it remains our charge to work for peace, freedom, and security," said Hudson Mayor Janet Winkler while reading the town's Memorial Day Proclamation.
Kelly and Chapman took a wreath outside to the Veteran's Memorial where the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard, made up of Sgt. Jimmy Radar, retired commander; Jack Lambert, retired specialist IV, Army, vice commander, rifle team; Don Gray, retired boilman 2nd class, Navy, rifle team; Kenneth Hinson, specialist, Army, bugler; James Hamby, staff sergeant, Army, color guard; Ed Van Horn, Jr., warrant officer II, Army, rifle team; Jim Munday, ADJ2, Navy, rifle team; and Sgt. Harold Riggs, U.S. Army, performed the bugle call. Taps was played and issued the 21 gun salute.
Lenoir's Memorial Day service was at the square in downtown Lenoir. West Caldwell High School's Jr ROTC, led by Capt. Tom Swanberg, presented the colors. Jr. ROTC members included Perla Gaspar, Brett Watson, Luis Cortes, Caleb Chester, Marcus Hall, Kristina Littlefield, Mia Tallent, and Lucy Manuel.
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The American Legion Post 29 members including Roger Austin, retired, Air Force; Wayne Mihelich, retired, Navy, and Mike Mizak, retired, Air Force, performed the 21 gun salute. Attendees saluted the flag while a Post 29 member played Taps on the bugle.
A Memorial Day service also took place at the Sawmills Veterans Park. Councilman Joe Wesson welcomed those in attendance and provided inspiring remarks throughout the service. He invited the attendees to enjoy the day and the time with family, but to remember those who gave their lives for their fellow countrymen.
American Legion Post 392 member, Louise Cannon, retired Army, Navy, and N.C. Army National Guard, played taps and Pat Metz, retired Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard, presented the colors and members John Wilcox, retired, Army; Tom Ritch, retired, Army; and David Davenport, retired, Army, offered a 21 gun salute.
Kelly also spoke at the Sawmills service, reminding everyone that Memorial Day isn't the day we recognize active servicemen and women, or retired servicemen and women, but a day we remember the fallen. He also spoke of "Blue Star" families (families with actively serving men and women) and "Gold Star" families (families who have lost a family member in the line of duty).
Sgt. Kelly reminded the attendees Gold Star families realize everyday as Memorial Day.
