Memorial day roars with tradition
BY RAY VAN COR
The Greenville Standard
Monday was Memorial Day, a solemn day of remembrance with respect, honor and created to pay tribute to those that made the ultimate sacrifice in military service of this great nation.
Memorial Day started as an event to honor Union soldiers who had died during the Civil War, but it was inspired by the way southerners honored their fallen sons and for the last 21 years the Lions Club of Greenville has carried on that tradition with the same fervor and reverence hosting a Memorial Day celebration.
The Lion’s Club Memorial Day celebration began promptly at 9:30 a.m. Monday morning at Greenville High School’s auditorium.
The celebration featured music performed by the Country Wide Band and began with Lions Club President David Lovell welcoming attending guests and Reggie Williams gave the invocation.
Greenville High School’s JROTC posted the Colors and recited the pledge of allegiance. Lion’s club member April Lowery sang the National Anthem and Hubert Little read the Salute to the Fallen Heroes and the recognition of our Veterans.
Taps was performed by Greenville JROTC cadet Eva Shealy who is carrying on a tradition with both her father and grandfather, Joe Shealy, having served as U.S. Marines.
The guest speaker this year was U.S. Army retired Sergeant First Class Nathaniel Foster.
Foster is a Greenville native and Fort Dale Academy graduate who participated in the invasion of Iraq (OIFI) and was also deployed during OIF III.
Foster shared his personal military experience with the audience and regaled stories of heroism and sacrifice he had witnessed.
April Lowery then sang “God Bless America” and next was the “Walk of Honor,” where all the attending veterans joined the ceremony.
Reggie Williams concluded the program with a benediction and blessing. Following the ceremony, lunch was provided by Real Pit BBQ in the school cafeteria.
Lions club President David Lovell said, “”We’re so glad to have this as an annual event for the Lions Club along with the ones who have given their lives in service. It’s just so meaningful to this City and we’re really proud and happy to be a part of that. We’re so thankful to have Nathaniel Foster here today sharing his experiences in service.”
