<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=43ojmR_1Bl4hNcP00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=43ojmR_1Bl4hNcP00" width="1920" height="1280" ><figcaption>Retired Command Chief Master Sgt. Lynn R. Cole applauds veterans and military families after thanking them for their service and sacrifice during Monday's Memorial Day Program at the Ellis Theater.</figcaption></figure>The sacrifices of Neshoba County’s fallen service members were remembered on Monday during the annual Memorial Day program.This year’s ceremony was moved from Dewitt-DeWeese Park to the Ellis Theater due to rain.The program began with a moment of silence following remarks from master of ceremonies Ray Crocker about the sacrifices made throughout American history, beginning with the Revolutionary War.The 367th Maintenance Company presented the colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman-at-Large James Waltman.Anistyn Baker and Brianna Singleton sang the national anthem before Jim Sisson delivered the devotional prayer.Crocker then recognized local elected officials in attendance and acknowledged Neshoba County Gold Star Mothers Deborah Ladd, mother of Joshua Ladd, and Ellon Stovall, mother of Matt Stovall.Retired Chief Master Sgt. Bill Stephens introduced guest speaker Lynn R. Cole, a Neshoba County native who retired as the 13th State Command Chief Master Sergeant for the Mississippi Air National Guard Joint Force Headquarters in Jackson after 38 years of service.“We gather to honor our service members and remember the sacrifices they made in faithful service to our country,” Cole said.During her speech, Cole reflected on the meaning of Memorial Day and the sacrifices made by American service members throughout the nation’s history.“The service members we honor came from many walks of life,” Cole said. “But they shared essential qualities — courage, pride, determination, selflessness, integrity, and devotion to duty.”“They were ordinary people who responded in extraordinary ways during extraordinary circumstances, stepping forward to protect a nation that had given so much to them and to us,” she added.Cole spoke about the recent return and burial of World War II soldier Technician 5th Grade Edwin E. Ross, whose remains were returned to Neshoba County more than 80 years after he was listed as a prisoner of war and missing in action.“As I watched his funeral procession pass through town, I felt both peace and a deep gratitude for his service and for all those who helped secure our home,” Cole said. “I thought, now he is home.”Cole also thanked veterans and active service members in attendance for continuing to serve their country.“You have helped make our armed forces the most respected in the world,” she said.Cole closed by encouraging those in attendance to share veterans' stories and sacrifices with future generations.“Instill in them patriotism and what that means,” Cole said. “They are our future to help ensure America has another 250 years of freedom.”Following her speech, the names of fallen Neshoba County veterans listed on the Fallen Veterans Monument were read aloud, including those who died in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and Iraq.Billy Singleton then sang “God Bless America.”Due to the change in venue, some portions of the original program, including the 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps,” were not held.Crocker closed the ceremony by encouraging those in attendance to continue supporting veterans and military families in the community as “God Bless the U.S.A.” played through the theater speakers.</div></body>

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The sacrifices of Neshoba County’s fallen service members were remembered on Monday during the annual Memorial Day program. This year’s ceremony was moved from Dewitt-DeWeese Park to the Ellis Theater due to rain. The program began with a moment of silence following remarks from master of ceremonies Ray...

Memorial Day program honors fallen heroes

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The sacrifices of Neshoba County’s fallen service members were remembered on Monday during the annual Memorial Day program. This year’s ceremony was moved 

Memorial Day program honors fallen heroes

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