Remembering Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice

Under a blazing hot sun, a crowd gathered at the Sunday for a solemn Memorial Day Ceremony in remembrance of U.S. military men and women who have died serving their country.

The service opened with the presentation of colors and a prayer led by the Rev. Larry Davison, former Oconee Veterans Memorial Committee chairman.

"We thank you that, for the amber waves of grain and the purple mountain majesties, they gave their all.  Today we remember," he said. "God, help us never to forget that freedom is never really free; someone had to pay the ultimate price spiritually and for this great nation of America."

Guest speaker Navy Captain James Hightower --currently serving as the assistant chief of staff of religious ministries for the Marine Corp Training Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina-- said he shares "the joys and sorrows of some of the bravest men and women on the planet."

Hightower applauded the community for instilling values into local men and women who enlist in the armed services. He also recalled memories of his favorite veteran, Edwin A. Morman, a marine during the Spanish-American War.

"I know you've got individuals in your midst today that are heroes in their own right, and their stories deserve to be told," he said.

Hightower concluded by saying there are some simple things everyone can do to show support to military families and wounded warriors.

"First of all, I would just ask you to pray for them and their families and especially pray for those families whose loved ones didn't come home and they're buried in national cemeteries throughout this county," he said. "And secondly, I want you to pray for the safe return of all those who are deployed in harms way today."

The following names were read aloud during The Last Roll Call, led by Army Lieutenant Colonel John Gentry:

World War I

• Pvt. Dilmus Brown
• Pvt. Fred Foster
• Pvt. Edgar Coots
• Pvt. Willie H. Davis
• Pvt. Lewis S. Fields
• Pvt. Andrew Jacks
• Pvt. Lincoln Jackson
• Pvt. Manus Sanders
• Pvt. Pencila W. Thomas

World War II

• 1st Lt. Douglas M. Campbell  
• Staff Sgt. Roy V. Daniell
• Pfc. Henry A. Huff
• Pfc. Charles H. Hanson
• Technician 5th Grade James O. Hardigree Jr.
• Pvt. John E. Jackson
• Sgt. Erskine O. Marshall
• Pvt. Raymond O. Marshall
• Pvt. James W. McDaniel
• Sgt. William H. Mobley
• Seaman 1st Class Lee G. Nelms
• Pvt. Milton C. Newman
• Technician 4th Grade John W. Parker
• Pvt. Thomas L. Powell
• Chief Gunner’s Mate Frederick C. Sherrer
• Pfc. Lemuel H. Verner
• Pfc. William D. Walls
• Pfc. Walter L. Wood
• Pfc. Jewell Worley
• Pfc. Herschel H. Burger
• Seaman 1st Class Robert E. Branch, III
• Ssg. Arthur C. Bowden

Korean War

• Pvt. Donald I. Bell
• Cpl. Thomas R. Hardy

Vietnam War

• Pfc. Lawrence A. Stalnaker
• Spc. William T. Pittman
• Spc. John T. Walls

Operation Enduring Freedom

• 1Sg Luke Mercardante

Operation Iraqi Freedom

• Spc. Benyahmin B. Yahudah
• Spc. Joshua H. Reeves
• Spc. Evan Marshall