Sean C. Morgan
Sweet Home veterans organizations and residents honored the memory of departed soldiers Monday at special services at Crawfordsville Union Cemetery and Gilliland Cemetery.
“Memorial Day is a good time to reflect on the sacrifices and services of the American soldiers and veterans and the U.S. Military men and women,” said Father Fred Anthony of St. Helen’s Catholic Church at Gilliland. “The American military is, has always been and will always recruit the best and finest of the crop of young men and women of the country, and we will continue to shower them with appreciation, support and prayers as we have always done.
“Memorial Day is an opportunity for us to express the special places they have in the hearts of American citizens and more by honoring the people who work in the various branches of the military and civil service.
“Our children and grandchildren must learn the cost of freedom and respect the processes to which it is maintained. Our first duty is to God because he is our creator and redeemer and has made it possible for us to enjoy a beautiful next life. Our second duty is to protect our families and our nation.”
Anthony served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. He enrolled at Sacred Heart School of Theology in 2003 and earned his master’s degree in 2008. He was ordained in Portland in 2009.
Colors were presented by representatives of the Oregon National Guard. Boy Scout Troop 395 raised the flag to half mast.
Cheryl and Brittany Wilson recited “Flander’s Field,” filling in for their mother, Jan Hufford Wilson, who has been doing it for more than 40 years. She was unable to attend the service.
The services were concluded with a rifle volley, followed by Ken Collins playing “Taps.”