American Legion, Post 229 and residents show respect at Memorial Day Ceremony
MADISON – The relentless rain quieted, almost in respect for the military personnel who have given their lives in defense of our country. With the break between deluges, the Memorial Day Ceremony proceeded as planned.
The Captain Jesse Ollie Wikle Jr. Veterans Memorial Park on Front Street in downtown Madison was the ceremony’s venue. The event is an annual tradition for its sponsor, Madison American Legion, Post 229.
The ceremony opened with Presentation of the Colors by the Junior ROTC Color Guard from James Clemens High School. The Fraternity, a group of veterans who are vocalists, sang “The National Anthem” as audience members stood in respect, according to Post Commander Larry Vannoy.
The audience and all ceremony participants then stated words in the “Pledge of Allegiance.” Al Watts, who serves as Chaplain of Post 229, delivered the Invocation.
Steve Leahy, Post 229 Vice Commander, gave opening remarks. Terry Frakes with Auxiliary Unit 229 read the poignant poem, “In Flanders Fields,” which starts with “In Flanders fields, the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row.” Madison Community Band then performed “Salvation Is Created.”
Guest speaker for the ceremony was Brigadier General Allen J. Pepper, USA, U.S. Army Security Assistance Command. Madison Mayor Ranae Bartlett then offered her remarks. Madison Community Band’s next selection was “Band of Brothers.”
A dedicated delegation proceeded with Posting of the Wreaths. The tradition of decorating soldiers’ graves began after the Civil War. In 1868, Union General John A. Logan proclaimed May 30 as a day to decorate soldiers’ graves with flowers, a custom that evolved into the Memorial Day observed today, Vannoy said.
The laying of wreaths remains a central element of remembrance services, underscoring both the commemorative purpose of war memorials and their role in community mourning.
Post 229 Honor Guard delivered a rifle volley, and the community band played “Taps.” The band followed up with “Mansions of the Lord.” Bob Jones Junior ROTC Color Guard gave the Raising of the Colors. The Fraternity performed again with their rendition of “God Bless the U.S.A.”
Vannoy gave closing remarks to end the ceremony. As the audience dispersed, Madison Community Band played patriotic tunes.
Madison American Legion, Post 229 extended special thanks for support of the program to Madison Community Band; Post 229 Honor Guard; Scout Troop 201; James Clemens High School JROTC; Madison Mayor Ranae Bartlett and Madison City Council; Madison County Commissioner Steve Haraway; and B-Murph Audio.
