American Legion Post 9 of Eureka Springs held its annual Memorial Day ceremonies Monday, May 30, honoring the memory of America’s fallen military personnel.
Army veteran Vince Eastwood, who served in Operation Desert Storm and is now a board member with Ozark Mountain Veterans, told those in attendance that Memorial Day is not a happy occasion.
“Don’t wish anybody a happy Memorial Day,” Eastwood said. “There isn’t anything happy about brave men and women dying. It’s not about getting a big discount, a threeday sale or the shopping spree that’s going on. It’s about a day of remembrance. If you want to know the true meaning, go visit a local VA cemetery, teach your kids why we honor this day and what true sacrifice really means.” Eastwood said a total of 1,316,771 Amer
Eastwood said a total of 1,316,771 American military personnel have died for their country from the French and Indian War through the modern-day war on terror. “And that number’s climbing all the time,”
“And that number’s climbing all the time,” he said. “Heroes that gave their lives in the name of freedom.”
Eastwood told the audience that Memorial Day “is a celebration of sorts.”
“But the only thing we should be celebrating are the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedoms,” he said. “We need to ensure that their sacrifice was never in vain. Every veteran signs a blank check, up to and including their life, when they join the armed forces. Lots of them paid in full. They paid in full with their lives for our freedom. They should never be forgotten.”
Eastwood also described the work that Ozark Mountain Veterans does in Carroll County, which includes a “Reboot Recovery” program for veterans and first responders designed to help them heal from the trauma they’ve experienced.
“Every person that has graduated from this program over the last three years will testify to the way this program has helped them in everyday life,” Eastwood said.
The ceremony began with the presentation of colors by the American Legion post’s color guard. Sharon Parker sang the national anthem and the Star-Spangled Ensemble choir sang “God Bless America.” Post member Mark Pepple explained the significance of a table at the front of the room next to an empty chair in remembrance of Americans who were taken as prisoners of war and those missing in action.
“The empty chair represents the Americans who are missing from all the services — Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard,” Pepple said. “… Americans should never forget the brave men and women who answered our nation’s calls and served the cause of freedom. On this special day, let me explain the meaning of this table, and we will go around it as quickly as we can. The table is round to show our everlasting concern. The cloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to service. A single red rose reminds us of the lives of these Americans and their loved ones and their friends to keep the faith while seeking answers. The yellow ribbon symbolizes our continued uncertainty and hope for their return and determination to account for them. The single slice of lemon reminds us of their bitter fate, captured or missing in a foreign land. A pinch of salt represents the tears of our missing and their families. The lighted candle reflects our hope for their return, and the inverted glass is a symbol of their inability to share a toast. The empty chair is empty because they are still missing.” Pepple also recognized Ann Carter, who
Pepple also recognized Ann Carter, who attended the service in honor of her late father, Arthur Floyd Carter. Arthur Carter was a Marine who was captured in World War II and survived the infamous “Bataan Death March.” He later was forced to serve as a slave laborer in a tool and die plant in Manchuria. After the war, he returned home to Berryville and served as Carroll County Judge for 28 years, followed by two terms in the state House of Representatives. He died in 2003 at the age of 87.
“He suffered horribly during the time I knew him, and so I always tried to take care of him,” Ann Carter said. “And so I’m here to honor him today.”
After a rifle salute and the playing of “Taps,” the ceremonies ended with a benediction from post chaplain Ferguson Stewart.
