Oxford honors and remembers with Memorial Day Remembrance Walk and Ceremony
Under a bright blue sky, Oxford honored and remembered those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
Veterans rode with State Rep. John Lawrence in his classic vehicle while others walked in the parade or rode on the Ware Presbyterian Village bus. Led by Mayor Phil Harris, families pushed strollers, teenagers walked with their parents and grandparents, and couples held hands as members of the community walked up Pine Street together behind the drum cadence of the Oxford High School band.
This solemn walk is a meaningful reminder and a time for reflection as the participants move toward the Oxford Cemetery. The Boy Scouts in their pressed uniforms carried flags. Union Fire Company provided their ladder truck and large American Flag that stood at the back entrance. All walked under the large American flag and the past the gravestone of so many Oxfordians who have served in the armed forces.
The Sanders family passed out American flags to everyone at the event. American Legion commander Bob Stewart led the ceremony at the cemetery. Oxford United Methodist Church’s Rev. Larry Kipp of Oxford United Methodist Church provided the invocation and benediction. Oxford High School student Gabriel Swain read the Gettysburg Address and Jaycee Burnett read Logan’s Orders. The Oxford Area High School Band sounded beautiful as they played several patriotic songs. But the most moving part of the ceremony was when Kristin Martin spoke and shared her mother’s words as a Gold Star family. Jill Hardy was unable to attend and her daughter Kristin shared the story of Brandon Hardy of Octorora High School, who was killed in action in April of 2006. The unimaginable loss of their son and brother while serving to protect our freedom is something everyone in attendance was reminded of.
This day is about honoring those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Organizers of the event thanked the Hardy family for sharing Brandon’s story, and thanked all the participants for recognizing the true meaning of Memorial Day.
