|
|
 |
|
A Day of Remembrance
By Paige Burns
GREENVILLE - "Land of the free because of the brave," proclaimed
Disabled Veterans Commander Robert Foster while waiting for the start
of a Memorial Day parade. Flags stood tall and waving in downtown
Greenville on May 29 as an annual Memorial Day parade marched in
respect for lost U.S. service men and women. Members of the Greenville
High School Band of Pride marched behind Greenville veterans and
provided music to set the mood of the parade.
Because Greenville was such an important landmark in the American
Revolution, the city holds virtues of true patriotism, making this
event highly respected and important to families of veterans and
veterans themselves. Not only did veterans march in their uniforms, but
this parade even provided young students in GHS NJROTC with learning
experiences through their marching and flag carrying routines.
The parade started on the corner of Broadway and West Fifth Street and
marched down towards the circle, where an audience was gathered around
the fountain. Continuing on from the circle and up North Broadway, the
parade took a turn onto North Main Street towards the Greenville
Cemetery.
At the cemetery, multiple speakers and veterans used the time to
acknowledge the significance of Memorial Day as an annual celebration
across the U.S. One speaker explained how the tradition began; when
Waterloo, New York, held a parade in honor of lost soldiers for the
first time in May of 1866, the start of many more parades just like
this one began. At first, this was only a tradition, but after a
nationwide celebration on May 30, 1868, Memorial Day was declared a
federal holiday.
As a future member of the Air Force and current Greenville Band of
Pride member, Cheyenne Fritz said even if she wasn't required to be at
the parade because of band, she would come anyway in honor of fallen
soldiers.
Although the parade was meant to commemorate lost U.S. service men and
women and may have been somber for most people, the atmosphere in the
air of downtown Greenville had a sense of fun and enjoyment. Perhaps
the candy that was thrown to the children on the sidewalks helped to
make the environment an exciting one.
“I've come to some of these parades a few times and I've had fun each
time,” said long time member of the American Legion Gerald Sleppy.
The meaning behind Memorial Day is something that most people can agree
on; celebrating the lives of lost U.S. soldiers. Although this is the
main reason for the celebration of Memorial Day, multiple kids at the
parade believed the parade was also to honor all military service and
to celebrate freedom. Needless to say, they might be a little confused
when Independence Day comes around.
|
|
|
|
|
