Memorial Day message: Never forget

The message was a simple: Never forget.

The message was shared by several speakers at a Memorial Day service held Monday morning, May 25, in Cobden.

The well-attended service was held at the Cobden Cemetery. The Village of Cobden sponsored the event.

Mother Nature cooperated as rain held off during the service, which began at 9:30 a.m. Monday.

The program included a welcome by Cobden Mayor Molly Beckley, the Pledge of Allegiance led by students in Tara Marks' 4th grade class at Cobden Elementary School, a song by Kaylee Windings, a poem by Diane Duty, a message by pastor and Cobden village trustee David  Stewart and a benediction by the Rev. Dr. Anette Westermark of the First Presbyterian Church in Cobden.

Monday morning's service also included a salute by an honor guard from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Carroll P. Foster Post 3455 of Anna.

"Let us not forget why we are here," Mayor Beckley said during her welcoming remarks.

Pastor Stewart said Memorial Day was a "time to honor those who fought for liberties."

"To them we owe our thanks," Stewart said.

Stewart encouraged those at the service to honor, respect and never forget those who have died to ensure the nation's freedom.

"Let's honor, on this Memorial Day, those who fought and gave their lives," Stewart said.

In remarks prior to her benediction, the Rev. Dr. Westermark asked those present "to remember those who sacrificed for freedom."

<p>Raymond Hartline, right, played “Taps” at Monday morning’s Memorial Day service in Cobden. The service, which was attended by many people, was at the Cobden Cemetery. Photos by The Gazette-Democrat.</p>