Events hosted to honor fallen heroes
Memorial Day in Gray was marked by two events to remember the veterans who gave their lives in the service of their country.
The first memorial service took place on the grounds of the Jones County Courthouse in front of the Veterans memorial, and it was followed by a separate event inside of Hart’s Jones County Chapel.
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. This year it was celebrated May 30.
Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Unofficially, the holiday weekend marks the beginning of summer.
Gray Memorial Chapel sponsored the event at the courthouse, and it included the unveiling of 21 newly engraved pavers for veterans who were served by the funeral home. The ceremony was led by Gray Memorial Chapel owner Scott Walston.
Members of the Jones County American Legion Post 142 were in attendance as were members of the Jones County Veterans Committee that oversees the care and maintenance of the memorial.
The names of the veterans honored by the new pavers were read by members of the same military service as the veterans. The names of the final four pavers, who were family members of Russell Curry, were read by him.
The service at Hart’s Jones County Chapel was sponsored by Hart’s Mortuary and Crematory. The ceremony began with the singing of the National Anthem by Becky Hataway and was followed by comments from The Georgia Ride Captain of the Patriot Guard Riders, Leon McLamb. The motto of the organization is “Standing for those who stood for us.”
The speaker explained that the guard is made up of volunteers who attend funeral services of fallen American heroes. He said the members have more in common than motorcycles.
“We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security,” he said. “We shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protester or group of protestors.”
McLamb said the group formed at a time when protesters attempted to interrupt the funerals of Vietnam veterans. The speaker said guard members sang patriotic songs to drown out the protesters and when that was not loud enough, they fired up their ‘Harleys.’
Marine Corps Veterans Ed Barbee, who serves as the Mayor of Gray, also spoke at the service. Barbee enlisted in the Marines in 1962 and served until 1967. He relayed a story about the heroism of military chaplains.
The keynote speaker for the event was Capt. William A. Robinson USAF (retired), a former prisoner of war. Robinson and his crew were shot down in their HH43B helicopter during a rescue mission. He spent seven years as a prisoner of war.
After his release, the veteran was the first enlisted man to receive a direct commission to lieutenant. Robinson received the Air Force Cross, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, POW Medal and two Purple Hearts.
The speaker, however, did not talk about himself as much as he spoke about the heroes he met and influenced him along the way.
At the conclusion of his presentation, wreaths were placed in front of the auditorium commemorating the branches of service and fallen heroes.
