Memorial Day at Fischer Park honors those who have fallen in the fight for freedom

Spring Hill celebrated its annual Memorial Day celebration Friday, bringing awareness to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight for freedom.

The event was organized in partnership between Spring Hill Parks and Recreation and The Daughters of the American Revolution Regent Brigadier General Winn Society (BGRW).

The celebration began by hoisting the American flag at half mast, which was conducted by the Southern Springs Veterans Club color guard, followed by an invocation by BGRW Chaplain Beth Sims and the Pledge of Allegiance led by BGRW historian Betty Chinery.

"Originally referred to as Declaration Day, a day to place flags and flowers on the graves of soldiers who died in service of their country, this event was celebrated on May 30 each year," Judith Pierce of BGRW, who presented opening statements, said.

In 1968, the U.S. Congress passed the Uniform Holiday Act, recognizing Memorial Day as a federal holiday on the last Monday of each year. Traditionally, the U.S. Flag is raised to half staff until noon, and then raised to full staff and lowered at sunset.

Mayor Jim Hagaman, a U.S. Air Force veteran, thanked attendees for coming out to the celebration and spoke about the holiday's importance.

"We live in a country that honors its fallen," Hagaman said. "It's so great to see the people that come out to honor the people who have given it all."

Friday's keynote speaker was Maury County Veterans Services Officer Mark Lewis.

During his time of service, Lewis, a U.S. Army veteran, was twice deployed to Iraq, first in 2006 and later in 2009. He was later promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2011.

He was later deployed to Afghanistan for nine months between 2012-2013. Lewis now works to service homecoming veterans to help file claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs. He is also the recipient of multiple service awards for his military career.

During his speech, Lewis remarked on the significance of the Memorial Day holiday, as well as what the number "44" means to him.

"We know that Memorial Day exists due to the service members who have passed away, but you don't fully understand what all it involves until you must face what is happening front and center," Lewis said.

"Forty-four members of my brigade perished while on my 15-month deployment in Iraq, fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers that would no longer be able to see their family members or friends."

Lewis added that, although a lot of time has passed since his deployments, it's still hard to comprehend the amount of loss and pain his fellow troops, and their families, have endured.

"We are no longer the people we were before that deployment, and since returning from other deployments it has never been any easier to deal with the loss of friends and comrades," he said.

"You can never understand how or why people in your lives have the kind of impact on your life, or the impact that you have on theirs. It is a humbling feeling to be able to give soldiers' families a comforting sendoff to their families, and you relish the time you have trying to help as many people that you can, being able to give back to the veteran community any way you can, which is why I became a veterans service officer."

Lewis closed by saying that although Memorial Day is only one day a year, the love and respect shared to veterans should be given on a daily basis.

Friday's service concluded with a closing prayer and a performance of "Taps" by Zachary May.

Parks and Recreation Manager David Cumock also shared a few final words of appreciation to veterans and those who came out in support of Memorial Day.

"From someone who is from a younger generation, I am particularly grateful for the men and women who have served," Cumock said. "Because of them, I have personally been able to live the life that I have today, and I thank all of you who have come out today and to remember to honor those who have fallen."

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Memorial Day at Fischer Park honors fallen soldiers