Memorial Day is the most solemn of national holidays

It's the most solemn of national holidays, Elden Selves said of Memorial Day.

Speaking at the annual Memorial Day service on the courthouse square in Kennett, Selves told his audience that Memorial Day is the day when we pause to reflect and honor those who have served our country in the uniforms of our armed forces.

"Today we remember the sacrifices that Americans have made worldwide in answering the call of freedom," he said. "But we must also be mindful of how our armed services have furthered the cause of justice and equality here at home. Bullets do not discriminate, and no race, creed or color has a monopoly on courages."

Elden Selves, guest speaker at the Memorial Day service.

Selves was the guest speaker at the annual Memorial Day service in Kennett. He is a retired hospital administrator, and a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces veteran. He has also served as a member of the Kennett City Council.

Selves told the crowd at the ceremony, those who have answered the call of their country were people who came from all walks of life, from every corner of this great land. They were our fathers, our sons, our mothers and our daughters--our friends, and our neighbors. They were all ordinary people, living ordinary lives, who were asked to make extraodinary sacrifices in extraordinary times, for their country.

"They answered her call to arms, not because they loved war, for nothing is more repulsive to a free peole than war for war's sake. They answered her call for a higher purpose--to preserve liberty, justice, equality, and the right to live in a world free from tyranny," he said.

Part of the crowd taking part in the annual observance.

This same call has gone out to every generation of Americans since 1775, said Selves.

The call went out after Dec. 7, 1941--the day that will live in infamy after the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan. Americans responded by flocking to recruiting stattions by the thousands, Selves said.

He added that in the wake of the terrorists attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Americans again heard the call.

Mayor Donald Parker and Sgt. Terry Watson salute after placing the floral tribute to the area's fallen heroes.

But Sept. 11, 2001, deserves special attention for another reason, Selves, because at no time since the Civil War has such wreck been visited upon the American homeland.

"That is why, on this day of remembrance, it is so important to recognize those civilians and civil servants who sacrificed their lives that others might live," he said.

Today thousands of young people answer the call from every state and every territory of this great nation, Selves declared. They come from all walks of life. "They represent our best and our brightest. They are patriotic to the core; they all recognize the special mission their country has entrusted to them."

A member of the Missouri Funeral Honors Program sounds taps after a team from the program fired traditional volleys.

Memorial Day signals the beginning of summer, he continued. Millions of Americans will celebrate this weekend with backyard barbecues and picnics in the park. Millions more will journey to the mountains or to the seaside to relax with their families. They will all enjoy the blessings of peace and liberty in a country that enshrines the rights of the individual and that is exactly the way it should be.

Every Memorial Day is significant, but this year's holiday raises the level of remembrance with the dedication of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. ... honoring more than 400,000 American soldiers, sailors, Marines and others who died--as well as the 16 million men and women who served in uniform, and countless more who supported them back home.

Just as the World War II Memorial testifies to the spirit and sacrifice of what is popularly known as the Greatest Generation, each day of the Global War on Terrorism is a testament to the selfless service of today's fighting forces, Selves declared. This generation of soldiers honors the legacy of those who fought and sacrificed for our nation by following their example of personal courage.

"This is a time to remember, but it is also a time to reflect on the gratitude we feel for the men and women in uniform protecting our nation and our freedom," he said.

He urged his audience that as we contemplate the sacrifice of those who have given their lives to secure our way of life, let us not forget the true meaning of this holiday.

"For a terrible price in blood has been paid to secure that way of life for all future generations," he said. "Until the day when the world is free from tryranny, our freedom will be achieved only if Americans are willing to answer the call--to prove themselves worthy to be free."

Following Selves' address, Donald Parker, mayor of Kennett and a veteran of World War II placed the floral tribute before a display of photos honoring area residents who gave their lives in service to their country.

Volleys were fired by three members of Missouri Funeral Honor Program, with taps being played by another member.

The lowering and folding of the U.S. flag was done by members of Veterans of Foreigns Wars Post 5443, completing the ceremony.

The Memorial Day Ceremony is sponsored each year by the 1137th M.P. Co. of Kennett and VFW Post 5443.