Veterans participate in Southgate’s May 22 Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Library.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
SOUTHGATE – The threat of impending rain prompted veterans and local officials to move the city’s May 22 Memorial Day remembrance into the Veterans Memorial Library.
However, the stormy clouds didn’t darken the mood or deter residents, who filled the conference room to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
The event, supported by Southgate American Legion Post 478 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9283, paid honor and tribute to the city’s fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price for the country’s freedom.
Jim Austin of the American Legion Post 478 said he and other veterans present honor and pay tribute to the city’s fallen heroes, and all whose sacrifices should never be forgotten.
“For over 235 years, America’s men and women have answered the call to defend and protect our country,” he said. “These warriors come from all walks of life and from different parts of the country, but they all have one thing in common: their love and loyalty for this country.”
Austin said this bond allowed a diverse group of Americans to achieve monumental goals.
“This remembrance is all inclusive, covering almost 80 military actions, conflicts and two world wars that claimed about a million-and-a-half lives,” he said. “This national debt can only be repaid by us honoring our nation’s war dead.
“Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance.”
Members of the American Rosie the Riveter Association place a wreath during Southgate’s May 22 Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Library.
Above and below, participants place a wreath during Southgate’s May 22 Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Library.
Residents attend Southgate’s May 22 Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Library.