Henryetta’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post commander Bill Goodner reminded residents that, “freedom wasn’t granted and isn’t free.”
Speaking at the Memorial Day observance Monday, Goodner said the holiday is a time for people to, “reflect on what has been given and what enormous price has been paid,” by the servicemen and women over the years.
The annual ceremony pays homage to those who served in the military and included recognition of the military members who died and are interred with their comrades overseas.
“Our country owes an unpayable debt to these heroes,” he pointed out.
While Americans remember their family members and friends who fell in war, the lives of their opponents were also lost.
That was brought out by outgoing VFW commander Vernon Long who recounted the story of a dying Japanese soldier he encountered on Okinawa in the closing days of World War II.
He said the soldier gave him a photograph and indicated he was from Yokohama, Japan. When the war ended, Long was sent to Yokohama and returned that photo to the family. “They thanked me,” he said.
The morning observance was capped off by Dewar band director David Jobes and student Jeremy Stottlemyer playing “Taps.”
Jobes is a member of Bugles Across America, an organization dedicated to providing live performances of the 24-note mournful song at funerals and observances.