Centralia Police Chief Christopher Locke who spent 28 years in the Air Force was the keynote speaker at the 16th Annual Memorial Day Celebration Service ‘A Time of Remembrance’ held at Elmwood Cemetery on Saturday.
Locke noted the start of Memorial Day dates back to its start as Decoration Day in 1868 following the Civil War.
“This day and this weekend I fear has become just a time of leisure and another day off for many of our fellow Americans. I feel this nation must never forget we all owe a great deal of gratitude to those who went before us.”
And Locke said the death of a good friend who was also an Air Force Master Sergeant and Special Agent Tommy Crowell while he was in Iraq in 2007 is something he remembers daily.
“I wear this bracelet, and I’ve worn it for quite some time. This not only helps me remember and have gratitude for Thomas and those other men who have lost their lives but for all of our brothers and sisters who have gone before us and have made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation.”
The program also included a welcome from Centralia Mayor Bryan Kuder, a Prayer from Rev. Val Powe, and patriotic song from Morgan Isaiah.
The Placing of the Wreaths was completed by Centralia Mayor Kuder, Wamac Mayor Jackie ‘Butch’ Mathus, and Central City Mayor Neely Reed. The program closed with a Three Volleys Salute and the Playing of Taps by Don Beaty.
The program is hosted each year by the Centralia Cemetery Advisory Board and the Veterans Affairs Committee.
Wamac Mayor Butcch Mathus (left), Centralia Mayor Bryan Kuder (center), and Central City Mayor Neely Reed place the wreaths during the ceremony. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Morgan Isaiah provided the music, singing My Country Tis of Thee and God Bless America. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Bugler Don Beatty plays TAPS to close the program. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
