March 29, 2024

In valor

Sgt. First Class Robert Mayhew delivered a heartfelt address during Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony at Maple Hill Cemetery. American Legion Davis-Pence Post 69 arranged the program to honor those who died while serving in the Armed Forces. Warm, sunny weather and a steady breeze created a fitting backdrop for a day dedicated to eternal thanks.

“Most of those who give that ultimate sacrifice ... are so young,” said Mayhew. “But what they lack in longevity, they make up for in valor — bravery — in serving this country, in serving us, and that is exactly why we gather here today to honor them.”

Those characteristics, said Mayhew, aren’t learned in classrooms but in family rooms, and we can show our gratitude by being kind to the families of fallen soldiers — and to one another — every day.

“It sounds so trite. Really? Kindness? Is that how we are to honor their sacrifices?” he asked. “Kindness is a watchword we should all bear in our hearts... because kindness is an attribute from which no stronger bonds will ever be developed and no greater measure of devotion will ever germinate.”

Its presence was felt this holiday weekend as volunteers turned out to raise the flags and take them down again Tuesday night, to help with the ceremony, and to attend to show their support to the service members lost, as well as to their families.

Memorial Day is one of three major military holidays held during the year. It falls on the last Monday in the month of May. Others include Veterans Day, Nov. 11, dedicated to all those who have served in the military, and Armed Forces Day, the third Saturday in May, for all active service men and women.