He said defending that document is the reason for doing what they do.
He said the three-day federal holiday began as Decoration Day and evolved into Memorial Day as a time to honor American men and women who died in one of the branches of the armed forces.
“But over the years, for most of us, Memorial Day is a three-day weekend filled with barbecues, picnics, a time to get away from the normal hum-drum of the week. For others, it’s the beginning of summer, a time when we look forward to lazy days and taking time to get away,” he said. “However, to some of us, Memorial Day holds a special meaning.”
On May 5, 1868, an order from the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic Gen. John Logan designated May 30 as a day of remembrance for those soldiers who died in the Civil War. Flowers were place on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers buried in Arlington National Cemetery. The National Holiday Act of 1971 designated the last Monday in May as Memorial Day.
He said the Civil War, Spanish American War, World War I, World War II and even the Korean Conflict are ancient history and the Vietnam War is a fading memory.
“But with the recent operations in the Middle East, beginning with Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, we, the American people have once again been put into a position to remember those fighting and dying for us today,” he said. “I am a veteran and am still proud to be a veteran.”
Carter served in the Air Force from 1974-77 and the Army from 1977 to 2008. He served in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
“I, like many of you, know what Memorial Day is about,” he said. “Memorial Day is for all soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen. Memorial Day is the embodiment of that oath we first took when we enlisted in the service: I do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and obey the orders of the president of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice so-help-me-God.”
He said the oath taken by everyone in the military exemplifies the reason soldiers do what they do everyday.
“Soldiers are defenders of the same principles that made this country great,” he said. “Soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen stand as patriots. Patriots defend and protect the ideas, the ideals and sentiments backed by the Constitution of the United States of America. Soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen bear true faith and allegiance to that document.”
He said people should see those words steaming from the eyes of a disabled veteran and they should be heard blasting from the cold, stone face of a grave marker.
“Remember those who gave their lives so that we may continue to live free as spelled out in the Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence, lest we forget. God bless the United States of America,” he said.
Carter is an assistant district attorney in the 10th Tennessee Judicial District.
The program was dedicated to the memory of longtime veteran advocate John Simmons, who passed away July 27, 2009. Up until then, he served many years as co-chairman of Memorial Day and Veterans Day programs.
Another noticeable absence was Cleveland Mayor Tom Rowland, who missed functioning as the program’s master of ceremonies for the first time in 42 years. He and his wife, Sandra, are recovering from a car accident. Acting in Rowland’s place was Dr. Bill Balzano, president of Tennessee Christian Preparatory School.
The Col. Benjamin Cleveland Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard dressed in period uniforms posted the colors.
Rick Ellis, pastor of Eagles Landing Worship Center, served as chaplain.
Three local Eagle Scouts read the names of Bradley County’s deceased wartime veterans in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. The names of deceased World War I and Korean War veterans were read by Hunter Gruber from Troop 10 at Broad Street United Methodist Church; Mitchell Schroll, Troop 44, Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, read the names of World War II veterans. Conner Logan, Troop 10, Broad Street United Methodist Church, read the names of Vietnam and Iraq War veterans; and Last Roll Call of veterans who passed away in the past 12 months was read by Asssistant Bradley County Veterans Officer Joe Davis.
The Aldersgate Garden Club laid flowers on the Courthouse steps in honor of deceased African-American veterans.
The 21-gun salute by the Bradley County Veterans Firing Squad was under the command of “Pinky” Blackburn and the bugler and drummers were from Cleveland High School.
The Memorial Day program was sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans, AmVets, Sons of the American Revolution, Voiture 735, the 40 and 8th, and all ladies auxiliaries.
