Veterans remembered at Hillcrest Cemetery

Westside Eagle Observer/SUSAN HOLLAND
American Legion members Chad Young and his wife, Anita Young, raise the flag of the United States of America at the Memorial Day service at Hillcrest Cemetery. Chad and Anita recently became members of the John E. Tracy Legion post at Gravette after the post at Southwest City, Mo., was disbanded. — Westside Eagle Observer/SUSAN HOLLAND American Legion members Chad Young and his wife, Anita Young, raise the flag of the United States of America at the Memorial Day service at Hillcrest Cemetery. Chad and Anita recently became members of the John E. Tracy Legion post at Gravette after the post at Southwest City, Mo., was disbanded.

GRAVETTE -- Flags on Hillcrest Cemetery's Avenue of Flags fluttered in the breeze Monday morning, May 30, as people gathered for the annual Memorial Day service.

Members of the John E. Tracy post of the American Legion, who sponsor the ceremony, with the help of other volunteers, had placed the flags on Saturday, along with smaller flags on the graves of each veteran buried in the cemetery. The day was warm enough that few sat in the chairs set out for the audience but chose to shelter in the shade of nearby trees instead.

Jheri Roberts, chaplain of the Legion post, welcomed the crowd and offered an opening prayer. Darrel Mercer, post second vice commander, placed the POW-MIA banner on an empty chair, the traditional opening of all Legion gatherings. Post members Chad Young and his wife Anita raised the flag of the United States of America, followed by the pledge of allegiance to the flag, led by Roberts.

Roberts introduced state representative Gayla Hendren McKenzie, guest speaker for the service, who opened with a well-known quote from Patrick Henry.

McKenzie expressed her concern over whether American citizens are teaching their children the importance, the significance, of Memorial Day. She said its meaning grows more important each year. McKenzie told of her experience placing flags at the National Cemetery in Fayetteville a few days earlier. She said she learned there is a certain protocol for flag placing and she was happy to learn this new aspect of military procedure.

In speaking of the sacrifices made by American servicemen and women to ensure our freedom, McKenzie recounted the experience of a young Marine who lost his life 15 years ago at the age of 21. The young man, who was killed fighting in Iraq, only 12 days before he was scheduled to return home, was a second cousin of Gayla's and related to the Roberts families in the area.

"Freedom doesn't survive without personal responsibility," McKenzie stated. "Freedom can be lost on the battlefield but freedom can also be lost right here at home, quietly."

She urged her listeners to be active in voting their convictions, volunteering for worthy causes, and being productive as ways to help keep America strong.

McKenzie concluded by saying about freedom," If we don't guard it daily, it will slip through our fingers."

She thanked all those who attended the service and those who planned it.

Veterans stood at attention as the plaintive notes of taps echoed across the cemetery. Then members of the Old Town String Band played "America" to end the service.

Westside Eagle Observer/SUSAN HOLLAND State representative Gayla Hendren McKenzie speaks to the crowd gathered at Hillcrest Cemetery for the Memorial Day service Monday morning, May 30. McKenzie was guest speaker for the ceremony and reminded citizens that they have a responsibility to help protect freedom by voting, volunteering and being productive.

Westside Eagle Observer/SUSAN HOLLAND Members of the Old Town String Band play during the Memorial Day service at Hillcrest Cemetery in Gravette Monday morning, May 30. Band members who played patriotic music for the ceremony are Al Blair (left) on guitar, Randy Cannon on upright bass, Linda Damron on fiddle and Jeff Davis on guitar.

Westside Eagle Observer/SUSAN HOLLAND Jheri Roberts, chaplain of the John E. Tracy American Legion post at Gravette, stands at attention and salutes as the tune "Taps" is being played near the end of the Memorial Day service at Hillcrest Cemetery. Roberts welcomed the crowd attending the ceremony and offered an opening and a closing prayer.

Westside Eagle Observer/SUSAN HOLLAND Members of the John E. Tracy American Legion post at Gravette and other guests stand during the raising of the flag of the United States of America at the Memorial Day service Monday morning, May 30, at Hillcrest Cemetery. Due to the warmth of the day several of those who attended chose to stand in the shade of a nearby tree.

Westside Eagle Observer/SUSAN HOLLAND Darrel Mercer (right), second vice commander of the John E. Tracy American Legion post at Gravette, steps back after placing the POW-MIA banner on an empty chair to open the Memorial Day observance at Hillcrest Cemetery. Placing the POW-MIA banner is the traditional opening is the traditional opening of all American Legion meetings.