Memorial Day Remembrance

Memorial Day is an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. On Monday, May 27, be sure to fly your flag at half-staff for the first half of the day to honor the veterans who sacrificed, then raise it to full height from noon to sundown for those who are still with us.

This year, in observance of Memorial Day, The Boneyard BBQ in Soperton has set up an empty table tribute to the service and memory of Staff Sgt. Dustin Wright, formerly of Lyons. In the early afternoon of Oct. 4, 2017, a team of U.S. and Nigerien partner forces were pinned down by an overwhelming enemy force in Tongo Tongo, Niger. The unit was without backup or the possibility of medical evacuation. Four Americans were killed, including Army Special Forces Staff Sgt. Wright.

The symbolism of the tribute to the fallen is explained as follows:

• A small table set for one symbolizes the isolation of the absent service member

• An empty chair represents the absence of the missing and fallen

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• The act of lighting a candle is a universal symbol of remembrance and signifies the continuation of the soul’s journey even after death. It provides a source of comfort and solace for the bereaved, allowing them to feel connected to their loved ones in a tangible way

• A white tablecloth symbolizes the pure intentions of the service members who responded to the country’s call to arms

• A single rose in the vase symbolizes the blood that service members have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of the United States of America. This rose also represents the family and friends who keep the faith while awaiting the return of the missing service members

• An inverted glass represents the fact that the missing and fallen cannot partake

• The Bible verses that honor fallen soldiers on Memorial Day are Psalm 23:4-5, Isaiah 41:10-1, and Romans 12:1-2