Sarah Thompson
Osceola American Legion Davis Pence Post 69 held their annual Memorial Day service Monday at Maple Hill Cemetery, honoring fallen service members. The guest speaker was Miles Murphy, a 15-year Air Force veteran, who spoke of the need to remember those who gave their lives in the name of freedom.
“Since the founding of the United States, it is estimated that 558 million Americans and immigrants have lived in this country. More than 1.1 million of them have died defending the United States… since the American revolution. They each have stories… We are here for them. We did not forget,” Murphy said. “From Bunker Hill to Baghdad, American communities throughout the United States, including right here in Osceola and Clarke County, have answered their names [being] called and made the ultimate sacrifice. We take this day to reflect on ordinary Americans… to honor the legacy of the fallen.”
During the invocation, Murphy thanked the veterans who have given their lives.
“We thank you for the blessings and the liberties that we enjoy in this great nation. We remember with proud, profound respect for those who served in our armed forces, and gave their lives so that we might live in freedom.”
In closing, Murphy said never to forget. “We must never forget their names or their sacrifice.”
