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Richmond Hill Memorial Day Ceremony Honors Fallen Heroes

Community members pay tribute at the Memorial Day ceremony in Richmond Hill.

News Summary

Richmond Hill held its annual Memorial Day ceremony at J.F. Gregory Park, bringing together community members and officials to pay tribute to fallen military heroes. Mayor Russ Carpenter and various local leaders highlighted the sacrifices made by service members and their families. The ceremony featured a wreath laying and a 21-gun salute by the 3rd Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade, reinforcing the significance of Memorial Day as a time for remembrance and gratitude.

Richmond Hill honored its fallen heroes during an annual Memorial Day ceremony held on Monday at J.F. Gregory Park. The event brought together community members, officials, and local veterans to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the military.

Mayor Russ Carpenter welcomed attendees and set the tone for the solemn gathering. The ceremony featured a prayer invocation by Rev. Steve Lane of New Beginnings Community Church, acknowledging the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families.

Among the special guests were State Rep. Ron Stephens, Dan Awtrey from American Legion Post 27, and Chris Shipman from Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). In his address, Rep. Stephens highlighted the ongoing grief experienced by Gold Star families, many of whom participated in the ceremony. He stressed the importance of honoring not only the fallen service members but also their families, who continue to carry the burden of their loss.

The keynote speaker for the event was Command Sergeant Major Brian J. Webber of the 603D Aviation Support Battalion. A native of Bangor, Maine, CSM Webber has served in various leadership capacities both domestically and internationally, including in Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He currently resides at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, with his wife and two children. Webber conveyed his appreciation for the gathering and encouraged attendees to remember the deep sacrifices made by military personnel.

The ceremony emphasized Memorial Day as a time for remembrance, reflection, and gratitude. CSM Webber called on everyone to honor the legacy of those who served through their words and actions, reinforcing the significance of the day beyond its surface observance.

The formal program concluded with a ceremonial laying of a wreath to honor the fallen. A 21-gun salute performed by the 3rd Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade from Fort Stewart provided a poignant reminder of the sacrifices endured by service members. Specialist Robert Dama from the 3ID Band played the somber notes of “Taps”, deepening the emotional weight of the moment.

The ceremony was wrapped up with a closing benediction by Rev. Steve Lane, as attendees reflected on the meaningful observance. The event commenced at 11 a.m. at J.F. Gregory Park, situated at 521 Cedar St. in Richmond Hill, Georgia.

This year’s Memorial Day ceremony served not just as a tribute to those who lost their lives in service to the country, but also as a call to action for community members to commit to remembering and respecting all who serve in the military.