On Sunday, May 28, Commander Wayne Seamon of the Cooleemee-Mocksville Post 1119, began the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ritual of Remembrance service with the posting of colors.

Pastor Alan Mullins offered the opening prayer.

The armed forces salute recognized the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and Marines.

Pastor John Groff delivered a touching memorial message about his experiences in the Air Force. He had just gotten married when he received his papers to join the Army, in which, he had already joined the Air Force. He recalled how hard it was to see many of his buddies he knew in high school become fallen soldiers.

“War is hell,” he said.

Barbara Carter and friends sang and played a melody of patriotic songs for the service.

Seamon placed an American Flag over flowers that were placed on a table in memory of three soldiers who had passed in the recent year: US Army Howard W. Anderson, US Army Johnny E. Miller and US Navy Norman ‘Hoot’ Canupp. This was an emotional and touching moment.   

Don Cover closed the service with playing of the “Taps.”