DECATUR -- Cemeteries around the nation prepared to observe the annual Memorial Day holiday, a time to remember soldiers from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard who made the sacrifices necessary to defend the freedoms we have enjoyed. The second of Decatur's big cemeteries joined on May 20 by planting white crosses and raising American flags at each veteran's gravesite.
Ten volunteers from the Decatur area gathered at the Falling Springs Cemetery to set in place white crosses next to the headstones of more than 72 military veterans from World War I and II, Korea and Vietnam buried in the cemetery. Along with the crosses, each veteran's gravesite received an American flag that was fitted into a slot in the back of the cross.
Doug Holly, the caretaker at the cemetery, along with his wife Darlene, helped to organize this year's workday. Joining the Hollys were Terri Burden, Hailey Burden, Jacque Smith, Jacy Smith, Kylie Smith, Chloe Lucas, Emily Lucas and Martha Smith-Gomez.
Of the 72 veterans buried at Falling Spring Cemetery, one stands out above the rest. Melvin Richard Burd, who served as a staff sergeant in the United States Marine Corps during World War II, was a recipient of the Order of the Purple Heart, a medal awarded to those soldiers wounded in battle. He joins an elite few soldiers buried at Falling Springs and Decatur Cemetery to receive this honor.
Burd survived the war and went on to live a full, rich life. He died in 2016 at the age of 90.
General News on 05/27/2020