Honoring those who sacrificed

Honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to serve our country is a long-standing tradition in Green River. On Memorial Day, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2321 and American Legion Tom Whitmore Post 28 hosted their annual ceremony at Riverview Cemetery to recognize the veterans who lost their lives in the line of duty. This year's ceremony also included a special dedication of the new veteran's columbarium that was recently put into place.

"We are assembled once again to express sincere reverence," VFW District Commander Earl McDonald said during the ceremony. "This grave represents the resting place of the many departed comrades who served in all wars. Wherever the body of a comrade lies, there the ground is hallowed. Our presence here is the solemn commemoration of all these men and women."

VFW Member and Bill Neily performed part of the ceremony as the acting chaplain, recognizing the end of the march for the service members who gave their lives.

"It seems fitting that we should leave our comrade in the Army to rest under the open sky, as he did when he pitched his tent, laying down in days gone by, wearied and footsore, by the roadside or on the field of battle," Neily said. "Our departed comrades in the Navy no longer hear the sounds of the waves that fall upon the bosom of the deep, no longer sail beneath the peaceful skies, nor are driven before the angry storm. Our departed comrades in the Air Force no longer fly through enemy fire, drop their bombs, or fight off the enemy attack. Our departed comrades in the Marines no longer look for beachhead landings...or tours on foreign soil. May each of us in our voyages and battles in life...find a welcome in that region of the blessed where there is no more storm-tossed sea, nor scorching battlefield, nor dangerous skies. Our comrade is in the hands of our Heavenly Father, and God giveth his beloved sleep."

Several members of the VFW placed symbols on the grave to pay tribute to their fallen comrades.

"Comrades in the silent land beyond, wherever your mortal remains may rest, these solemn services we hold in tribute to you," McDonald said.

A gun salute was given and Taps was played.

After the ceremony, McDonald recognized the official dedication of the columbarium, which was the second columbarium for veterans donated by the VFW and American Legion to the city and the cemetery.

"We have dedicated a final resting place for our heroes, our honored veterans," McDonald said. "We extend to them the deepest respect and our love and remembrance."