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Liberty All Hosts Memorial Day Program

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HUNTINGDON (May 26) — Liberty All United Methodist Church, 2415 Old Stage Road, was the setting for an inspirational program Sunday to remember those military men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

As Barbara Bennett played “God of our Fathers,” Greg Coleman brought in the American flag and Becky Keith brought in the Christian flag. Jaxon Dunbar and Raygen Dunbar carried in baskets of small flags which would later be placed on the graves of veterans. The congregation recited the pledges to the American and Christian flags. Dr. Lee Butler welcomed everyone, then Phillip Williams offered a prayer.

Barbara Bennett played a rousing rendition of the Medley of Service Songs during which each veteran stood as his song was heard.

“The Star-Spangled Banner,” “God Bless the USA” and “America the Beautiful” were sung by Marine veteran Dakota Jordan.

A rousing patriotic number was performed by several members of the Huntingdon High School Band.

Marty Towater, U.S. Army Veteran and member of the Tennessee National Guard introduced the guest speaker, Staff Sergeant David Brewer, who has served over 20 years in the Tennessee National Guard and is an Operation Desert Shield/Storm veteran. He currently drills at the Volunteer Training Site in Lavinia.

He spoke of one of our American heroes, Army Sergeant Israel Paul O’Bryan, who died June 11, 2010, in Iraq by a suicide attacker in an explosive-rigged car. He was only 25 years old and left a wife and a one-year-old son, along with many other loved ones.

After hearing about his death, a Marine named P. J. Kellogg ran 50 miles from Newbern to Jackson to bring recognition to Sergeant O’Bryan. P. J. had never even met “Izzy,” but that didn’t matter. He was running to raise money for a college fund for the son of a fallen brother-in-arms and to bring recognition to a soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Sergeant Brewer reminded us that this is what Memorial Day is all about-remembering those who gave their lives that we might be free.

Allen Espey asked all veterans present to stand and state their names and branches of service. He read the names of the 71 veterans buried in the Liberty All Cemetery. Then, as the congregation sang “God Bless America,” Towater and Gary Merritt, U.S. Army-Retired, carried out the flags, which were then placed on the designated graves.

Tizzy Smith played “Taps” and as the sound of the trumpet echoed across the cemetery, everyone stood at attention, remembering with gratitude the sacrifices so many have made through the years and are still making to keep this country free.

Liberty, Memorial, Program, Huntingdon