blockridge@themeridianstar.com



Monday was Memorial Day, and while most businesses were closed for the Nationally observed holiday, Meridian was still bustling with activity. Monday’s activities were to honor those who have served in the past, and those that still serve our country today.

The Lauderdale County Courthouse in downtown Meridian was the scene at 1o a.m. as the city honored our local military.

The guest speaker for the ceremony was Capt. John R. Wood, and he said he feels this day is sacred to Meridian.

“The town has a strong relationship with the military,” Wood said. “I believe the people of Meridian respect this day as more than just a day off or for having barbecue; but to come and honor their fallen comrades. By your presence you understand that on Memorial Day we honor the ideals and values that those sailors, soldiers, marines and airmen stood for and died defending.”

Leroy Morse and Henry Thompson had the honor of conducting the reading of the fallen. The list was compiled from the military monument located at the courthouse. As names were read, family members of the fallen soldiers came and placed flowers before the monument.

Later in the day there was cause for celebration. At noon the Key Chapter of the American Red Cross opened and dedicated the new Veteran’s resource facility located across the street from Red Cross headquarters on 23rd Avenue.

Hundreds of residents and soldiers showed up for the event as they celebrated what many called

an answered prayer.

“It is our dream that this house be a place of resource, comfort, support, peace and refuge to all veterans that pass our way,” said Cheri Barry of the American Red Cross. “The Board of Directors, staff and volunteers of the Key Chapter saw a vision, a purpose and a plan that would give back to those who serve our country, giving our lives for our freedom.”

This past Sunday Memorial Day was also celebrated in the nearby community of Suqualena. People there came together at Macedonia Baptist Church to honor their friends and family who have served in the U.S. military.

The service began in a community grove where there was a monument erected in honor of four Suqualena residents who died in combat. From there they went to the Macedonia Baptist sanctuary for the rest of the ceremony.

“Most kids today, when they think of Memorial Day, they think, ‘Wow, the pool’s open!.’ Most of the kids today don’t even think about Memorial Day,” said Diann Howse, organizer for the event. “We want to bring back what that day means to us as Americans. My dad was a veteran, and he doesn’t talk about his time in the war; but we still respect and honor the things that these men and women saw, and the things that they did to protect our country.”