Barbara and Luther Clearman place the wreath at the Veteran's Monument.

It was a special day, Monday, May 26, as members of American Legion Post #165 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #6046 gathered at the northeast corner of the square in recognition of Memorial Day.

Although many of the merchants and government officeswere closed, and gone, a good number of citizens were on hand to thank those who have served in our Armed Forces and to honor the memory of those who gave their all for our freedom and protection against our enemies.

American Legion Commander Ferrell Keaton welcomed the crowd to the services.

American Legion Chaplain Glen Sheffieldgave the invocation. Claude Newsome then raised the U.S. Flag from half mast to full mast as The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was given and the National Anthem was played.

Colonel Bill Tabb, retired U.S. Army and Department of Defense, was the guest speaker and gave a history lesson on how Memorial Day came about in these United States of America and how Arlington National Cemetery was established. He ended by saying, "God Bless Our Soldiers and God Bless America."

Col. Bill Tabb, Retired US Army and Department of Defense

Colonel Tabb, formerly from Colquitt, had a distinguished career in the U.S. Army and with the U.S. Department of Defense before retiring. He is a member of the 1954 graduat- ing class of MCHS.

The Memorial Day wreath was placed above the Veteran's Monument by Luther and Barbara Clearman.

After a moment of silence, Ben Johnson played a moving recorded rendition of TAPS.

The benediction was given by Cohen McKenzie.

Commander Keaton thanked everyone for attending the annual Memorial Day service and invited all the veterans and their wives and wives of veterans down to the American Legion Hall to eat lunch.