'Never forget our Veterans'

By STEVE ROUSH
The Highland County Press

BUFORD – On a picture perfect morning, American flags waved as the sounds of the patriotic march “You’re a Grand Old Flag” filled the air during Memorial Day observances in Buford on Monday.

The observances began with a parade that marched through downtown Buford to the Buford Cemetery, where more than 150 area residents gathered to pay tribute to those who have served, and those who gave all for their country.

The Whiteoak High School band marched through the community, along with the Highland County Honor Guard, the Daughters of the American Revolution Waw-wil-a-way Chapter in Hillsboro, local youngsters and others.

At the cemetery, keynote speaker Hugh Hurley, who is the minister of the Buford Church of Christ, took note of the condition of the burial grounds.

“First of all, if the caretakers of this beautiful cemetery are here, I commend you for the excellent condition of this beautiful cemetery,” Hurley said. “It says something about a community who honors its dead with such loving care – thank you very much.”
Hurley also thanked those in attendance for pausing to remember the meaning of Memorial Day.

“I’m always eager to restore meaning and magnificence to holidays that have been stripped bare of their true and deep significance by a flood of hot dogs, parades, auto races and yard sales,” Hurley said. “Memorial Day is one of America’s true hidden spiritual gems.”

Hurley said he wanted those in attendance to consider what he believes to be the two towering spiritual truths of Memorial Day.

“No. 1, America is bigger than us; and No. 2, God is bigger than America,” Hurley said.

“The first Memorial Day truth, that America is bigger than us, must challenge us to remember that freedom is never free. We were bequeathed freedom by all those whose bodies lie under the little flags in this beautiful cemetery. We owe a debt to America for our freedom.”

However, Hurley said, many Americans show little concern for God and American history.

“These words, inscribed on the Liberty Bell, 'Proclaim Liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof,' are God’s words given in Leviticus 25:10,” he said, but added that he is afraid that America is walking a “Godless path.”

“This Memorial Day, we are hearing about the unbelievable treatment at our nation’s veteran hospitals with corruption, and the deaths of 40 veterans in Phoenix, Arizona, waiting for hospital care,” Hurley said. “Now there are 19 V.A. hospitals under investigation. No one deserves better care than our veterans. Pray that this tragedy changes soon.”

Local auctioneer Glenn Hess and co-Memorial Day organizer Neba Merriman, along with Buford Community Church pastor Ron Loudermilk, also spoke at Monday’s services.

As he closed his address, Hurley told those in attendance to never forget our veterans.
“This day of May 26, may we dedicate ourselves to remember both God and nation,” Hurley said. “May we value this freedom that came at a great cost of millions of veterans who gave their lives.

“It is a blessing to see members of the armed services participate in this service. Never forget our veterans, thank them whenever you can and pray God’s blessing on them every day we enjoy our freedom.”