Community turns out in force to mark Memorial Day

Community members in North Big Horn County turned out by the dozens Monday morning to pay their respect to service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as others who have served and sacrificed for their country in other ways during Memorial Day services in Byron, Cowley and Lovell.

Conducted by Robert Boyd Stewart American Legion Post 11, this year’s services included a color guard and rifle line marching in line with a drum cadence by Meg Anderson, welcoming remarks by Legion commander and master of ceremonies Rich Fink and a prayer and the laying of flowers by chaplain Jim Thomas.

Students under the direction of retiring longtime Lovell Elementary School music director Chauna Bischoff sang three patriotic numbers, and “Taps” was performed by bugler Dale Fowler with David Peck as the echo.

The color guard was composed of Scott Fink, Mike Kitchen and Nicholle Laffin, with Leroy Collins, Bruce Dempster and Tom Dillon in the rifle line.

This year’s keynote speaker was Lovell Fire Chief and Big Horn County Coroner Mike Jameson, who spoke about ordinary citizens serving their country in extraordinary ways.

Memorial Day is far more than a long weekend, the unofficial kickoff to summer and a day for backyard barbecues or a lake outing, Jameson said, noting, “Keep in mind the real reason for this holiday. We’re here today to honor our service members and to remember the sacrifices they have made. We’re here today to honor our heroes, to remember their achievements, their courage and their dedication, and to say thank you for their sacrifices. We stand in the midst of patriots and the family and friends of those who have nobly served.”

The service members being honored on Memorial Day come from all walks of life but share several fundamental qualities, Jameson said.

“They possessed courage, pride, determination, selflessness, dedication to duty and integrity – all the qualities needed to serve a cause larger than one’s self,” he said. “Most of them didn’t ask to leave their homes to fight. Most didn’t even volunteer. They didn’t go to war because they loved fighting. They were called to be part of something bigger than themselves. They were ordinary people who responded in extraordinary ways in extreme times. They rose to the nation’s call because they wanted to protect a nation which has given them and us so much. 

“Millions of Americans have fought and died on battlefields here and abroad to defend our freedoms and way of life. Today, our troops continue to make the ultimate sacrifices, and even as we lose troops, more Americans step forward to serve. They follow in the footsteps of generations of fine Americans.”

After giving a history of how Memorial Day evolved over the years, Jameson urged those in attendance to remember and honor those who have fallen in the name of freedom.

“We have awarded medals to many soldiers, added their names to monuments and named buildings for them, to honor them for their bravery. But nothing can ever replace the hole left behind by a fallen service member, and no number of medals and ribbons can comfort the ones left behind,” Jameson said. “To the family member of any service member, we know you have lived through difficult times and often taken the heavy load to keep the home fires burning. Thank you for what you’ve done.

“Today, people throughout the country will gather together to remember, to honor and to pay gratitude to those who have served our country. Our gathering is just one small spark in the flame of pride that burns across the nation today and every day. It’s not a lot, but it’s one small way we can honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live in freedom. 

“Your presence here today and that of the people gathering all across America is a tribute to those lost troops and to their families. It is a way to say we remember. In honor of those brave souls, may their courage inspire us to live with purpose and gratitude. We express gratitude for the bravery of the fallen American soldiers. Wishing everyone a Memorial Day filled with reflection and appreciation for our heroes.

“Thank you for attending today. God bless you and your families, God bless our troops, and God bless America.”

At the conclusion of each service, Fink urged those in attendance to join American Legion Post 11 or at least participate in future ceremonies, noting that the ranks of veterans willing or able to participate are growing thinner. He also announced the annual flag retirement ceremony coming up on Flag Day – Friday, June 14.