BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Command Sgt. Brandon Williams of Camp Blanding’s 211th Regional Training Institute told the assembled crowd at a Memorial Day observance in Starke to remember and be grateful to those who sacrificed themselves for the lives they enjoy today.
Williams was the keynote speaker during a May 27 ceremony held at Charles J. Schaefer Sr. Veterans Memorial Park and hosted by Jones-Langford-White American Legion Post 56.
“On this Memorial Day, let us remember those who took their last breath in service to our country,” Williams said. “Allow us to honor the fearless souls put our lives in front of theirs so that we may live in freedom. May their names be etched in stone, while their spirts carry on in the hearts of all who value liberty.
“You see, Memorial Day is not only a day of remembrance, but is also a day of gratitude — gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy, the liberties we hold dear and the sacrifices made by those who came before us.”
Williams shared the history of Memorial Day, which began in 1868 as Decoration Day, commemorating those who gave their lives in the Civil War. It would evolve to honor those who died in all wars America was a part of.
“Service members like myself stand on the shoulders of giants — the men and women who marched before us, spearheading paths across the globe while defending our nation with gallantry and honor,” Williams said. “From the earliest days of war to now, our brothers and sisters in arms have demonstrated unmatched bravery, tenacity and resolve in the face of adversity.”
Not to be forgotten are also the families of those who died in service.
“We must not forget to also pay reverence to those families of the fallen, whose sacrifices were often silent, but immeasurable,” Williams said. “They have endured the pain of unfathomable loss, not only with grace, but with resilience, while never surrendering support of their loved ones and our nation.”
Williams said communities carry on the legacy of those who died in war, ensuring that their memories extend beyond the battlefield.
“They will live on through the stories we tell to our children, the monuments that we build and the flags we fly,” Williams said. “Their legacy lives on in the hearts of every American who cherishes the blessings of liberty and a brighter tomorrow.”
Those who attended the ceremony were encouraged to honor those men and women who gave their lives by taking the time to “hear the snap of the flag as it waves in a gust of wind,” to “listen to the laughter of children as they play on the ground these men and women laid down their lives to defend” and to “listen to a story or share a memory of a loved one and ensure their legacy lives on.
“May we always continue to commemorate their bravery, courage and enduring legacy of service to our nation.”
In closing, Williams quoted from a speech given by James Garfield prior to his presidency. On May 30,1868, Garfield (then an Ohio congressman) spoke at the first Decoration Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
“We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke,” Garfield said, “but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country, they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts and made immortal their patriotism and virtue.”
“Former President Garfield was speaking of men who died during the Civil War,” Williams said, “but as we know, the nature of war has changed, and it is no longer men alone who bear the brunt of battle. Every service member who dons the uniform has been and will be put in harm’s way. It was my honor to serve alongside these giants of men and women who sacrificed their lives in defense of our nation.”
Local American Legion and VFW posts, along with city of Starke and Bradford County officials, North Florida Regional Chamber of Commerce, Bradford County Tourist Development, Downtown Merchants Association, Boy Scouts Troop 70, Daughters of the American Revolution, Altrusa International of Starke and Woman’s Club of Starke paid tribute to those who gave their lives with wreaths, which were donated by Downtown Merchants Association. The wreaths were placed by members of Boy Scouts Troop 70, Bradford High School JROTC and Bradford County Sheriff’s Explorers.
Following the conclusion of the ceremony, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at what will be the new site for Charles J. Schaefer Veterans Memorial Park, which will be moved closer to the downtown square.
