A day of remembrance

Estella Partin receives a flower from Rick Simpson with the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 203 during the Memorial Day program on Monday at the Chattanooga National Cemetery in Chattanooga. Each of the Gold Star wives and mothers received a flower in memory of their loved one who served in the military.

Clutching a tree for balance, 92-year-old Hulgan Tobey strained her neck to see over the crowd at the Chattanooga National Cemetery, watching the presentation of the colors during the annual Memorial Day ceremony. Tobey served as a cadet nurse during World War II, and her husband, brother and two sons also served in the military.

“Fortunately, they all came home,” she said. Tobey has rarely missed the Memorial Day program over the years, saying she looks forward to this time to honor those who gave their lives. “This is reminder of the sacrifice,” she said. Despite the overcast skies and sprinkling rain, Tobey was one of several hundred who gathered Monday at the National Cemetery for the program and to wander through the rows of white headstones, each decorated with a small American flag.

Phil Sumrall, a retired United States Navy chaplain, gave the keynote address during the program. He said the Bible teaches there is no greater love than someone laying down their life for their friends.

“Today we honor those who have done just that,” he said. “… for this we will always be in their debt.”

Sumrall said many have forgotten the reason for Memorial Day, and need to be reminded that it’s a time for the living to remember the sacrifice of those who died for their country and the freedom people now enjoy. Every generation must continue to fight to preserve that liberty, he added.

“Freedom is our blood-bought legacy,” he told the crowd.

U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn., said more than 1 million people have died to protect the United States over the years.

“Memorial Day is their day,” he said to applause.

During his remarks, Fleischmann emphasized the importance of thanking those who served in the military, allowing the country to remain the greatest in the world.

Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke also addressed the crowd, saying that Memorial Day is a reminder of the veterans and their families living in this city.

“There are heroes among us everywhere,” Berke said.

STAFF PHOTO BY ERIN O. SMITH

STAFF PHOTOS BY ERIN O. SMITH John Sparks walks through flag-marked graves after the Memorial Day program on Monday at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. Sparks was a member of the honor guard and a former prisoner of war. Richard Mahan of American Legion Trenton Post 106 sits with other veterans after the Massing of the Colors. Barbara Creel and Dawn Davis visit the grave of Creel’s late husband, Aaron Creel Sr.

STAFF PHOTOS BY ERIN O. SMITH Jackie Clark with the honor guard stands at attention Monday after placing the Tennessee flag at the Memorial Day program at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. Georgie Frodsham, 4, sits with her grandfather, Paul Darata, on Monday during the program. The two were at the event in memory of Darata’s father-in-law, Lothery Laxton, who received several commendations while serving in the Air Force.