Gone but not forgotten

The skies alternated between hints of sunshine and cloud cover Monday morning but the rain held off, allowing more than 100 to gather in the Cleburne Cemetery for a Memorial Day Remembrance ceremony.

Residents milled with U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin, Cleburne Mayor Scott Cain, Johnson County Sheriff Bob Alford, Cleburne Fire Chief Clint Ishmael, members of the Cleburne Police Department and other dignitaries before the ceremony began.

The sound of bagpipes filled the cemetery courtesy of Cleburne firefighter Ryan Stewart and his son, Luke Stewart, as members of Joshua High School's JROTC posted colors to begin the ceremony.

Alford delivered the opening prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by former American Legion Post 50 Commander Ken Peters Sr. Cleburne resident Audra Baldwin sang the "National Anthem."

2nd Division Sons of the American Legion Commander Ken Peters Jr. discussed the significance of the POW/MIA table set in front of the podium.

Peters spoke of the "pain, deprivation and imprisonment" suffered and endured by so many service men and women through America's history.

"All America should never forget our brave men and women who answered our nation's call to serve," Peters said. "They are unable to be with their loved ones and families today so we join together to pay humble tribute to them."

Peters discussed the meaning of each item on the table from the red rose, which symbolizes the blood shed, to the Bible, which symbolizes strength through faith, to the sprinkled salt, which symbolizes the tears of missing veterans' families and friends.

Ishmael scanned the crowd and praised their decision to attend Monday's ceremony."Thank you for coming," Ishmael said. "For showing honor, dignity and respect today."
Cain proclaimed Monday through Sunday as Days of Remembrance in Cleburne and urged residents to pause to remember the sacrifices of our fallen veterans.
Cain concluded by remembering one soldier in particular, Cleburne resident Jeremy Allmon who died 10 years ago in the line of duty.

"Jeremy enlisted in the Army in 2002," Cain said. "Based out of Fort Hood, he was assigned to the 3rd Battalion 8th Calvary Regiment, 1st Calvary Division. In 2005 he gave his last full measure of devotion to his country while driving an M1 Abrams tank under attack.

"Calling Cleburne home, Jeremy loved his family and his country. In 2004, Jeremy told the local newspaper that he was staying in Iraq because, ‘We can't just start something and not finish it. Then we wouldn't be American.'

"We honor Jeremy when we carry on his mission of defending freedom. We honor him by writing the next chapter of American exceptionalism. So I say to the family of Jeremy Allmon, he is lot but his sacrifice is not forgotten. And we pray God's mercy will fill the void where Jeremy once stood."

Williams acknowledged that Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer but urged all to pause during the day's barbecues, baseball games and time off to remember and proclaim thanks to the service men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice and to those service men and women active today.

"Today let's all remember those bravest among us who gave up their tomorrows so that we could have today," Williams said.

Brooklyn Suth, 10, of Cleburne, and her sister Jaylee Moore, 3, distributed red poppies to attendees while their mother, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 50 Chaplain Jennifer Suth, and ALA Unit 50 President Robbyn Hill explained the significance of the poppies and the poem "In Flanders Fields." The poem, penned a century ago this year, references the red poppies seen growing on the graves of fallen soldiers, which led to the tradition of distributing poppies, not only in America, but in Canada and the UK as well.

Former U.S. Air Force Officer Randy Baldwin of Cleburne spoke of the "Forgotten Fighter" and his call and dedication to duty and service.American Legion Post 50 Commander Jeff Hill reminded attendees that Memorial Day is more than just a holiday for family and fun.

"No one can replace our fallen heroes, especially in the eyes of their families," Hill said. "But we can offer a shoulder to cry on. Remembering our fallen once a year is not enough."

Marty Peters, past state president of the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Texas name checked American wars and conflicts from the Revolutionary War to today listing the number of American service men and women killed in each. Veterans and/or family members of veterans stood to be recognized as Peters mentioned each war.

U.S. Army National Guard veteran John Laureles, who also serves as president of the newly formed Johnson County Veterans Organization, called upon everyone to recall the courage and valiance of our veterans and the unpaid debt we owe them that can never fully be repaid.

Williams joined Jake Hill. S.A.L Squadron 50 member as both placed a wreath at the grave of a veteran. The crowd sang "God Bless America" after which the mournful melody of "Taps" brought the ceremony to a close.