SWEETWATER COUNTY — Memorial Day services took place throughout Sweetwater County this morning to pay tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives, for this county.
Memorial services were hosted in Rock Springs, Green River and Farson-Eden this morning. American Legion Archie Hay Post 24 members not only placed American flags on military personnel gravesites at the Rock Springs Municipal Cemetery and the Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, but they participated in three Memorial Day ceremonies this morning. One took place in front of the American Legion, the second was at the Rock Springs Municipal Cemetery, and the third was at Veterans Park.
During the service at the Rock Springs Municipal Cemetery Ceremony, American Legion Archie Hay Post 24 Post Commander Ted Young said Memorial Day is about remembering those who have fallen by doing what they can to honor them. Young said he personally tries to go to different ceremonies every year and he enjoys placing flags on gravesites to honor and remember those who served.
Young also read some comments from U.S. Senator John Barrasso during the ceremony. Barrasso’s letter said, “The significance of this day is felt throughout our great nation. It allows us to remember those who came before us and those who gave their lives in defense of our freedom. For over 230 years, brave men and women have made incredible sacrifices to stand against the evil forces of oppression and tyranny. We humbly thank them for their service and dedication.”
Members of the VFW Post 2321 with the assistance of the American Legion Tom Whitmore Post 28 members also placed flags on military gravesites at Riverview Cemetery in Green River and conducted a memorial ceremony today as well.
During this ceremony, three speakers addressed the crowd. The first was Madelyn Thoman, VFW Patriotism essay scholarship winner. She encouraged residents to show their patriotism by volunteering and helping out were needed.
Green River Police Chief Tom Jarvie read the oath soldiers take and then elaborated on what it meant. “When you take that oath, you decide there are more important and much bigger (things) than you in the world,” Jarvie said.
He said soldiers work hard to make sure this country still has a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They continue to fight and defend what this country was founded on.
“It’s the lives of these men and women that give us hope,” Jarvie said.
Last to speak was American Legion Tom Whitmore Post 28 Commander Tom Niemiec, who said the soldiers who died for this country did not die in vain as long as residents remember and honor them.
The price for freedom is a painful one and that’s something everyone should remember, Niemiec said.
“We are here today to honor all of our fallen,” Niemiec said.
