News Star photo by Lindsey Temple: A group of American Legion members at Elmore City take time to watch the American flag being raised during Memorial Day ceremonies in Elmore City this past Monday, May 28.

By Mike Beach

This Memorial Day observance like so many is meant to understand the reasons why we must as a nation allow our fellow citizens to make the ultimate sacrifice for not only our freedom but the freedom of others.

As I stood and saluted our flag standing at half-mast and listened to the names of the fallen who were listed on the wall, I could feel the warmth of the sun on my face.

I could hear the sound of the bigger flags cracking in the wind as they flutter back and forth.

I could see the sight of so many smaller flags lined up and waving in the breeze.  I could hear the birds in the trees chirping and singing their songs.

Standing at attention I listened for the notes of taps being played on the trumpet near the other end of the memorial service.  I could hear each note echo across the rolling hills being pushed along by the wind so strong.

News Star photo by Matti Allen: Jake Kinard plays “Taps” at the Memorial Day Program by the Maysville American Legion last Monday.

I thought of those I will never know and what we all pay in the end for the price of freedom, and I thought about the flag we call our own.

Because even though it is simply a pattern of red white and blue arranged on cloth that flutters in the wind, it is also the fabric of our nation that is dyed with the blood of those who fought for the brightness of its colors.

It is stitched with the sacrifice of past generations, and flown in the winds of generations to come.

Remember always the life we live,

Remember always the life they give.

Remember the sacrifice of a chosen few,

Remember always what they gave for you.