By SHERRY DIGMON
News Publisher
The crowd was smaller than usual for the annual Memorial Day celebration Monday, May 26, at the Veterans Monument at Atmore City Hall. But the Red, White and Blue still waved.
The event, always co-sponsored by the American Legion Post 90 and Atmore VFW Post 7016, offers a time to reflect and to give thanks for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
In the absence of VFW Commander Billy Gates, VFW Jr. Vice Commander Lloyd Albritton conducted the ceremony along with American Legion Commander Dave Graham.
In his invocation, Jerry Gehman thanked God for showing us freedom and liberty. He prayed for the president and members of his cabinet. He thanked God for the men and women who served and died. “Bless this event today with Your presence,” Gehman concluded.
Bobby Davis sang the National Anthem, and Ronnie Albritton led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Graham recounted the story of an American hero – Jack Lummus, a college athlete and a professional athlete who was later an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was among the first to land on Iwo Jima in World War II – and he died there. “He went from being a sports hero to an American hero,” Graham said.
Atmore Mayor Jim Staff conveyed a welcome to everyone on behalf of the city. “It’s fantastic to see everybody here,” he said. He also thanked all who had a hand in bringing the ceremony together.
Albritton introduced the guest speaker – Harlan Spencer, Vietnam veteran, from Daphne.
Spencer talked about his military family. His dad served in World War II in the Pacific. He had a great-uncle in World War I. Interesting story Spencer conveyed about his uncle – he was wounded in action in the Argonne Forest. His unit was in pursuit of the enemy, and he told his men he would prop up against a tree, and they could get him on the way back. But when they came back, he was gone. Spencer said they never knew what happened to him.
Spencer’s unit was in Vietnam 10-and-a-half months and did not lose a man – he was very proud of that fact and rightfully so.
“I continue to love this country,” Spencer said. “… I love the flag of the United States of America.”
Adding that the country was built on religious principles, he said. “When I see the flag, I not only see my country, I see my God. Every one of us is blessed because of our membership in this country.”
Graham and Albritton placed the wreath at the Veterans Monument, followed by the Memorial Roll Call by Harold Madison, Joel Mackety, Ronnie Albritton and Randy Albritton.
Paul Chason served as bell ringer.
The fire squad, led by Steve Reynolds, fired a nine-shot volley, followed by TAPS played by Jerry Gehman.
Greg Albritton gave the benediction, and Lloyd Albritton closed the ceremony thanking everyone for coming.