photos by Bill Graham / The Meridian StarKen Storms leaves a poppy for Norman Mayse, his mother-in-law’s first husband, during Memorial Day activities at the Lauderdale County Courthouse Monday. Mayse died while fighting in World War II. 

Veterans and civilians gathered at the Lauderdale County Courthouse Monday for a Memorial Day ceremony honoring the men and women who died in the service of our country.

The crowd was welcomed by Van “Mac” McCarthy, who hosted the event.

Family and friends of the fallen walked one by one, laying poppy flowers at the foot of the war memorial in front of the courthouse, as Leroy Morse and Ward Calhoun Jr. recited the names Lauderdale Countians who died in battle.

Cody Perkins, a veteran of the Irag War and outreach services officer for the States Veterans Affairs Board, was the ceremony’s guest speaker. During his speech, Perkins reflected on the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Perkins said while many remember those who gave their lives on Memorial Day, he remembers his fallen comrades often.

“This holiday is not take time off work and enjoy that barbecue,” said Perkins. “The barbecues and celebrations – that’s just part of being an American. Memorial Day is a remembrance of our fallen troops. Their purpose was to fight for the American way of life. Our fallen paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we can have those freedoms and that barbecue.”

The crowd stood as women of the Ladies Auxiliaries laid wreaths around the memorial. The Meridian Police Department’s rifle team performed a 21-gun salute as Jody Solomon and Zahyra Harrison of the Southeast Lauderdale High School Band played taps.

“It’s a remembrance of all those who died for our freedom. It’s very important,” Solomon said afterwards.

For Lenora Richardson, who served in both South Korea and Germany, Memorial Day gave her a chance to honor both those who have died in the service, as well as the families who survive them.

“For all the service members who gave their lives, I am so appreciative of them,” said Richardson. “I pray that the loved ones of those who have fallen know that we appreciate what their service members did for us.”

Monday’s ceremony was bittersweet for veteran Ricky Nelson. However, it was one he believes deserves more recognition.

“I put 22 years into the service, and I had a lot of fallen brothers,” Nelson said. “For me, it’s a very solemn occasion. This is where we can all get together and honor their passion, and I wish more people would show up to honor it.”