Memorial Day...A Time To Remember!

Memorial Day was observed Monday, May 25, and once again our dedicated veterans did their outstanding job of spearheading the all- important time for remembering all those who came before them.

These vets are an amazing group of dedicated individuals who remind us to never forget their comrades who served gallantly to preserve our way of life, many giving their lives for the sake of freedom.

The long list of deceased veterans which is always read during the Memorial Program is impressive and almost unbelievable in numbers for a small community like Montgomery.

When we see any of these dedicated veterans on the street, or wherever we meet, we should thank them for their service to our country, and their efforts to keep the tradition alive!

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A special memorial that comes to mind every time another Memorial Day rolls around is one located far distant across the Pacific.

When we talk about services in small communities or at the national cemeteries, one of the most dramatic and moving observances occurs at the nation’s most unusual military gravesite, the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Resting on the bottom of Pearl Harbor in 38 feet of water is the hulk of the battleship USS Arizona, sunk in the surprise attack on December 7, 1941. According to one report of that terrible day, the Arizona, struck by five large, armor-piercing bombs, died at its moorings beside Ford Island, along with 1,104 sailors and 73 marines out of its 1,500-man crew.

The battleship became the permanent tomb of more than 1,000 of its dead. Trapped pockets of gas made it too hazardous to salvage the hull or remove the bodies.

Arizona’s dead, ranging in rank from seaman to admiral and including many races and religions, came from 759 different towns in 49 American states and territories—a true microcosm of the American melting pot. Their names are inscribed in marble in the Memorial.

Dedicated on Memorial Day, 1962, the Memorial was built with a combination of Federal and State of Hawaii funds as well as public contributions. It can be reached only by boat, and the Navy (at least at one time) operates a free public boat service to and from the Memorial. The Memorial became Hawaii’s most popular visitor site.

Spanning the sunken battleship’s hull, the Memorial is an enclosed bridge, 184 feet long, which rests on two massive girders supported by pilings. It does not touch any part of the ship’s hull, which is clearly visible in the harbor waters beneath.

One report said 23 men from Minnesota died aboard the Arizona.

Being there a few years ago and actually seeing the beautiful tribute to all those who died in the attack leaves a permanent mark in the memory bank of our hearts.

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