By Sarah Stephens
Elmore Autauga News
This morning a respectful service in honor of the upcoming Memorial Day was held in Millbrook at the Memorial Center.
Bill Roberts was a First Sergeant in the Army, now retired, and served as the emcee for the event.
“We are gathered here today to remember and honor our fallen service members from past and present, and to remember the sacrifices they have made on behalf of our great nation and our great communities,” Roberts said. He said their sacrifices ensure our American way of life.
The invocation was led by Rev. Dr. Tyler Cox, of Millbrook United Methodist Church.
“Almighty God, we ask that you fill this solemn moment with the majesty of your presence. Our hearts are saddened by the loss of those that have given their lives to sustain the freedom that we so richly enjoy,” he said in prayer. “Bring your comforting spirit to the families and friends of those gracious servants.”
He continued, “For those of us who live today, we pray that this memorial ceremony will inspire us to a greater commitment to you and all people everywhere. Fill us with compassion for those in need and inspire us to live by your word that oppression might cease, freedom might prevail, and dignity and honor might reign. Then we shall know that the heroes we honor today have not died in vain.”
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem was beautifully sung by Jim Brumbeloe.
Dustin Retherford is a Veterans Advocate and Field Representative for U.S. Congressman Barry Moore.
He spoke of the Missing Man Table, also known as the Fallen Comrades Table, which was on display next to the memorial monument.
The table is in honor of military service members who have fallen, are missing or imprisoned.
Speaking to the crowd, Retherford explained, “The table is round to show our everlasting concern for our missing men. The cloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to service. The single red rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the lives of these Americans, their loved ones and friends, to keep the faith while seeking answers.
“The red ribbon symbolizes our continued determination to account for our missing. A slice of lemon reminds us of the bitter fate of the captured and missing in a foreign land. A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears of our missing and their families who long for answers over decades of uncertainty. The lighted candle reflects our hope that they will return alive or dead. The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain us and those lost from our country founded as one nation under God.
“The glass is inverted, symbolizing their inability to share a toast. The chair is empty, a seat that remains unclaimed at the table.”
Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley spoke, reading from a proclamation in honor of Memorial Day.
“We honor those who have died in our country’s service, we contemplate and appreciate the values of patriotism, citizenship, commitment, honor and duty,” he said.
Our daily freedoms were achieved by great cost.
Kelley said that at this very moment, men and women in all branches are serving at their post in harm’s way for the cause of freedom and liberty.
Mayor Kelley and Rev. Dr. Brannon Bowman of Millbrook Presbyterian Church placed a wreath on the memorial in honor of all who have been lost.
The American Heritage Girls, Troop 0125, was on hand to help distribute mementos from the day and show their support. Taps was played and a moment of silence observed to conclude the ceremony.
Special thanks to the City of Millbrook and the Cultural Arts and Special Events Department for this very respectful service. We appreciate everyone who took part today.
