WREATH LAYING CEREMONIES IN WESSON
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Families, veterans and community leaders gathered Monday in Wesson for two Memorial Day ceremonies honoring military members who died while serving the United States.
The first ceremony was held at Wesson’s four-way stop during a wreath-laying ceremony at the town’s Blue Star Memorial marker. The event was hosted by the Wesson Garden Club, which decorated the area with flowers and American flags in remembrance of fallen service members.
Immediately following the service, a second remembrance ceremony was held at Wesson Military Memorial Park, also known as Wesson Park. The service was hosted by the Wesson American Legion Drain Prine Post 79, the Wesson American Legion Auxiliary Unit 79, and the Sons of the American Legion, with support from Mayor Alton Shaw and city aldermen Mike King and Stanley Martin.
“To honor the legacy of the fallen, all shall commit to freedom, all by the greatest nation on earth…and where the American flag is displayed proudly and frequently, and where military veterans are society’s true celebrities,” said Commander Bobby Thornton of the American Legion Drain Prine Post 79. “We must never forget.”
The ceremony included the beloved patriotic “Taps” sounded by Brooke Coleman of Wesson High School, along with prayers and the reading of names of local veterans who served the country. Legionnaires and residents gathered to honor those who gave their lives in military service.
Memorial Day began after the Civil War as a way to honor soldiers who died in battle, and the holiday is observed each year on the last Monday in May.
“Let’s remember that without a United States military, the world would be a far more oppressive and darker place,” said Commander Thornton. “The true way to honor the fallen is to live in a way worthy of their sacrifice. That means strengthening our communities, helping our federal veterans, supporting military families, and teaching the next generation…the ones enjoying this beautiful park right now.”
Organizers said both ceremonies were meant to bring the community together while remembering the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces.
As the ceremonies ended, many attendees reflected on the importance of honoring veterans and keeping their memories alive for future generations.
“We should ask ourselves, would we want to live in a nation that didn’t honor its heroes. Your attendance here answers the question. God bless America, God bless our veterans, and God bless our gold and blue star families,” finished Commander Thornton.
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