Text and Photos
By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews
LEESBURG — A light mist and 56 degree temperatures didn’t keep people of all ages from lining along the streets of Leesburg for its annual Memorial Day Parade. Some were wrapped in blankets while others sat under umbrellas, but they all were enjoying the morning’s festivities.
Prior to the start of the yearly parade a brief program was held at the town hall, lead by Tom Moore. He welcomed everyone to the oldest incorporated town in the county. “The reason we are gathered is … to celebrate a special day — Memorial Day. It’s a day our nation has set aside to pay tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom that we so richly enjoy. Cemeteries all across the land are adorned with flags marking their final resting place. They were fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, brothers and sisters who gave everything.”
The program recognized Bob Allen and Sue Charlton. Allen a life long citizen of Leesburg served in the US Navy. Charlton was called the town’s rock. “We certainly appreciate you and your dedication to this town,” Moore said to Charlton. Her brief response was to thank those who were participating in the parade and those watching the parade. Allen, who has only missed one parade since his time in the service, shared he served in the Navy from 1951 to 1965 going to the Mediterranean northwest and Caribbean seven times. “I thank the taxpayers for paying for it,” he said, adding there have been Memorial Day parades, with snow and rain, but it has always been held and “we’ll keep having it.
Members of Scout Troop 729 took part in the raising for the flag, with Pastor Mike Beezley, Clunette United Methodist Church, offering prayer; Scout Ian Handy leading the pledge of allegiance, Brad Keller singing the national anthem; and Joe Peloza playing taps.
Following the parade of sheriff’s office, Leesburg/Plain Fire Department, scouts, 4-H’ers, floats, tractors, automobiles, little motorized corvettes, motorcycles, bicycles and more, services were held at Leesburg Cemetery.
With only a handful of people attending the service, tribute was paid to those who have gone before.
Services At The Cemetery
Pastor Rob Seewald, Leesburg United Methodist Church, gave the keynote address. He shared a passage from 2nd Timothy when Paul was talking to the church and Timothy. “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering for my departure is near. I have fought a good fight. I have finished the race. I’ve kept the faith. Now there is in store for me a crown of righteousness for which the Lord, the righteous judge will award me on that day and not only me but those who have longed for his appearance.”
Seewald encouraged those present to look around the cemetery and look at all the flags flying. “Each one of these flags represent an individual that sacrificed for you and for me. Some didn’t make it back from their battles. Others physically made it back but carried the scars and the wounds that went with them until the day that they finally died.” He encouraged each person to lift up a thank you. “In fact I encourage each of us to do something a little bit more. I think that as Paul was describing this, the race that he has run and that his journey was done, each one of these flags represents someone whose race has been finished. But the baton has been passed on to use … go and read the names on these stones. Because as long as we can say these names … their memories are not forgotten. We can’t allow their sacrifices and their service pass into the past. We need to honor them and to honor their sacrifice.”
Seewald stated he was convinced the best way was to ask God how he wants us to serve, how he wants people to share his good news and how we can be of service to those around us. “Some may be called to the armed forces. Some may be called in other ways … as long as we are reaching out to help people recognize they are not alone, that they matter and that we care. Then these sacrifices, these flags will not be in vain. …”
He encouraged each person to go up to some of the graves and say thank you for their service and for giving to each individual. He also encouraged persons upon seeing a veteran, to stop and thank them for their service and “recognize that many of them are carrying battles that we will never know … let them know they have a safe place because we have brothers and sisters walking with us who are still fighting their battles. Let’s make sure they know they are not alone.”
The service also included Randy Hartman singing Trace Atkins’ song “Arlington.”
Christina Archer read the names of soldiers buried in Leesburg Cemetery. There were 55 names read of those serving before World War I; five from the Spanish War; 83 from World War II; 38 from the Korean Conflict; one from the Cuban Crisis; 21 from Vietnam; one each from the Lebanon/Granada Conflict and the Persian Gulf Conflict and two from Operation Dessert Storm.
She also read the names of 79 veterans burred in the Oswego Cemetery and six in the Clunette Cemetery.
The service ended with the release of white doves following the salute by the volunteer honor guard and playing taps.
