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It is the soldier who
bought our freedom
Memorial Day 2011, Greenville, Ohio
Photos & Story by Bob Robinson
Parade & Ceremony Photos, Series One below
Photo Slide Show of the Complete Set of Photos by Lyn Bliss at YouTube
For the rest of the set of more than 40 photos, click the links below:
Parade & Ceremony Photos, Series Two
Parade & Ceremony Photos, Series Three
Parade & Ceremony Photos, Series Four
“We are fortunate to living in the greatest nation on the face of the
earth.”
In a hard-hitting speech to attendees and participants in Greenville’s
Annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony at Greenville-Union Cemetery
Monday, Lt. Col. Jesse J. Green, Darke County Asst. Prosecutor,
applauded those who serve and gave notice to detractors that it was
these men and women who bought them the freedom to express their
opinions.
“It isn’t the reporter who bought freedom of the press,” he said. “It
isn’t the poet who earned our freedom of speech…
“It is the soldier who bought these rights for us.”
The 28-year veteran of active, reserve and National Guard service
expressed his concern at efforts to remove the flag and stickers so as
not to offend anyone.
“I am offended that they call themselves Americans,” he said.
He added that despite its problems, America is the greatest haven of
freedom, charity and hope the world has ever known.
He said he has a “deep pride of honor seeing that “good old flag,” a
symbol of our strength.”
He told the group that we can’t make nice and expect the world to
respect us.
“Sometimes you have to fight,” he said. “Weakness is not something we
should show now. Strength is the only thing they respect.”
Green spoke of the history of service in his family, adding that after
28 years, he could retire but chooses not to.
“I am absolutely privileged to be serving with the best that America
has to offer,” he said.
He told the group that while people are enjoying Memorial Day in
relative safety, with their BBQ chicken and television, somewhere in
some desolate place, Americans are fighting.
To the protestors he said it is because of them you can disagree if you
choose. In closing, he had one request.
“Get on your knees and thank God that soldiers have given you that
right. Never, never forget. To do so would be to dishonor those who
have given their all in the past.”
Greenville’s annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony began promptly at
1 p.m., turning the corner on South Broadway at Fifth Street, pausing
at the Darke County Courthouse and proceeding to the bridge at
Greenville Creek. Participants in the parade included a number of
organizations and local fire departments. Greenville’s Paul Ackley was
the local veteran marching in full combat uniform.
A brief ceremony, including a 21-gun salute, took place, after which
the parade moved to Greenville-Union Cemetery. It included placing of
the wreaths, patriotic music, prayers, comments from a number of
individuals and a second 21-gun salute.
A number of organizations, including the Greenville American Legion,
the Greenville VFW, the Greenville High School Band and the Greenville
NJROTC participated.
Greenville High School sophomore Elizabeth Hornbeck recited the
Gettysburg Address, by Pres. Abraham Lincoln. GHS Band member T J
Wenning played Taps. The link to The Gettysburg Address was provided by Teen Scribe
Christy Riley.
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