A couple pulls each other close as taps sounds at the wreath-laying ceremony Monday at the Miami County Veterans Memorial in Paola. (Catherine Odson / catherineodson@miconews.com)
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Community comes together at memorials
New Legion, VFW member comforted by honors given across country on holiday
By Catherine Odson, catherineodson@miconews.com
As taps sounded for the second time in Paola on Monday, those surrounding the Miami County Veterans Memorial bowed their heads, wiped away tears and hugged those close to them.
Paola was home to two Memorial Day services Monday, and more than 50 people attended each in honor of those who have served in the armed forces.
Communities have come together since the 1860s to honor fallen veterans, retired Army Platoon Sgt. Brad Smith said.
Smith, a 21-year veteran of the Army infantry, is a new member of the Paola American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts and the guest speaker at the afternoon ceremony at the Veterans Memorial. One of his brothers is currently serving in the U.S. Air Force, and another was in the U.S. Navy during Desert Storm. His father also was in the Air Force, and his grandfather served in the Navy.
All lost friends and comrades in times of conflict, he said.
“It’s comforting to know that all over the United States today they will be honored,” he said.
Smith went to Iraq in March 2003. His brigade led the charge into Baghdad. He retired after that tour but spent two more years training the Iraqi army.
The soldiers who are there want to be there, he said, but they also want to come home.
“Remember their honor, courage and sacrifice,” Smith said.
Gene Farmer, commander of Paola American Legion Post No. 156, and VFW commander Billy Ray Floyd read tributes to those veterans who have fallen but reminded those in attendance to also remember those who are currently serving.
“We’re here to honor the deceased veterans, but we want to keep in our minds and our prayers veterans who are overseas and in harm’s way,” Farmer said.
Paola High School student Andrew Johnson played taps at both ceremonies.
Earlier in the day, a drizzly memorial service gave way to a downpour as people left the cemetery.
Hazel Mitchell, president of the American Legion Auxiliary, sees it as important to take a day out of her life to honor those veterans who have done so much for those Americans who don’t serve.
Her brother served in the Army during World War II, and her late husband fought in Korea.
“I have ties, and today has meaning,” she said.
After the morning ceremony, Terry Chronister of Independence, Mo., and Jane Chronister of Paola marked a relative’s grave at the Paola Cemetery.
“I can’t believe so many people don’t even know what the holiday’s for,” he said.
People should take the time to recognize those who have passed on, he said.
“Just remember.”
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Paola was home to two Memorial Day services Monday, and more than 50 people attended each in honor of those who have served in the armed forces.
Communities have come together since the 1860s to honor fallen veterans, retired Army Platoon Sgt. Brad Smith said.
Smith, a 21-year veteran of the Army infantry, is a new member of the Paola American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts and the guest speaker at the afternoon ceremony at the Veterans Memorial. One of his brothers is currently serving in the U.S. Air Force, and another was in the U.S. Navy during Desert Storm. His father also was in the Air Force, and his grandfather served in the Navy.
All lost friends and comrades in times of conflict, he said.
“It’s comforting to know that all over the United States today they will be honored,” he said.
Smith went to Iraq in March 2003. His brigade led the charge into Baghdad. He retired after that tour but spent two more years training the Iraqi army.
The soldiers who are there want to be there, he said, but they also want to come home.
“Remember their honor, courage and sacrifice,” Smith said.
Gene Farmer, commander of Paola American Legion Post No. 156, and VFW commander Billy Ray Floyd read tributes to those veterans who have fallen but reminded those in attendance to also remember those who are currently serving.
“We’re here to honor the deceased veterans, but we want to keep in our minds and our prayers veterans who are overseas and in harm’s way,” Farmer said.
Paola High School student Andrew Johnson played taps at both ceremonies.
Earlier in the day, a drizzly memorial service gave way to a downpour as people left the cemetery.
Hazel Mitchell, president of the American Legion Auxiliary, sees it as important to take a day out of her life to honor those veterans who have done so much for those Americans who don’t serve.
Her brother served in the Army during World War II, and her late husband fought in Korea.
“I have ties, and today has meaning,” she said.
After the morning ceremony, Terry Chronister of Independence, Mo., and Jane Chronister of Paola marked a relative’s grave at the Paola Cemetery.
“I can’t believe so many people don’t even know what the holiday’s for,” he said.
People should take the time to recognize those who have passed on, he said.
“Just remember.”