By Andrew Edwards
Elmore/Autauga News Staff Writer
Community members gathered from all across our area on Monday morning, as the annual wreath laying ceremony was held at the Autauga County Courthouse.
In observance of Memorial Day, the City of Prattville joined American Legion Post 122, honoring our nation’s service members who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
Martha Kaye Bridges, Auxiliary President of Post 122, spoke on what Memorial Day means to her.
“Today is a day that we collect certain memories that we will hold forever in our hearts. We show our respect to those who served and gave their lives. I’m so proud to be an American. I’m so proud to live in a country where we’re so blessed, and to have the ability to show support for those who gave their lives for our freedom at the highest cost,” Bridges said.
“Those who have lived and seen others die for our country, I believe God leaves them here for us so we will know how truly blessed we are.”
Mayor Bill Gillespie spoke about the luxuries that we as Americans enjoy on a daily basis, and the cost that it takes for us to live in a free county.
“America is grateful, Alabama is grateful and Prattville is grateful for those who have served our nation so proudly. It’s been said that today is the most expensive holiday on the calendar, and I have to agree. Every single bite of food, every drink in our hand, every cruise around the lake, and every family and friend celebration is a debt that was purchased and paid for by our soldiers,” Gillespie said.
“Those who sacrificed, sacrificed all, in life and in blood. We hold their memory of sacrifice, because a mother and father will never see or hold their child again. A brother or sister may never see their brother or sister again. Today is not just a simple day, it’s a day to honor and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and every breath that we will ever take.”
At a small, round table with an empty chair was an observance at the center of the event. It symbolized the members of the armed forces who are missing from their ranks – POW’s and MIA’s.
Memorial Day is to remember those who gave all. The men and women who lost their lives in service to their country. Not all of them were accounted for. Their families never had definitive answers.
The table is round, to show the everlasting concern.
The Cloth is White- symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to serve.
The Single Red Rose- reminds us of the lives of these Americans, and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith, while seeking answers.
The Red Ribbon- symbolizes our continued determination to account for the missing.
A Slice of Lemon- reminds us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land.
A Pinch of Salt- symbolizes the tears of our missing and their families who long for answers after decades of uncertainty.
The Lighted Candle- reflects our hope for their return- Alive or Dead
The Bible- represents the strength gained through faith in our country, Founded as One Nation Under God, to sustain those lost from our midst.
The Glass is Inverted – to symbolize their inability to share a toast.
The Chair is Empty – They Are Missing.
May we never forget.
See more photos below.
