200 attend 2023 Memorial Day Ceremony in Toccoa-Stephens County
By Jessica Waters
On Monday, more than 200 attendees filled the covered pavilion at Camp Toccoa at Currahee for the 2023 Memorial Day Ceremony, presented by Stephens County’s veterans organizations, including VFW Post 4346, American Legion Post 104, AmVets Post 600 and the U.S.M.C. League – Currahee Mountain Detachment 1303.
The Stephens County High School JROTC Color Guard presented the colors, and music was provided by Bill Coen.
David Cornelius, Commander of the Marine Corps League Currahee Detachment 1303, provided the invocation to open the ceremony, calling on those present to remember with gratefulness and pride those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country.
He prayed, “Almighty God, we are thankful for the men and women, and families that are here today, some have family members that trained on this very spot so long ago. Others know of a particular person that spent time here in preparation for future days. Many of us, instead, know this mountain as a symbol of the training we received in a boot camp somewhere that prepared us to serve. We now turn our hearts to remember the veterans everywhere who lost their lives serving our country, and the many faithful men and women who have also passed, having served to the best of their ability. Lord, we ask that during today’s time of remembrance, that our hearts will be filled with gratefulness and pride as we participate in this service. Amen”
Opening remarks by Ron Rider followed the invocation, and he made special mention of the important role played by spouses and families.
He said, “Without them, many of us would not have come back at all.”
The ceremony was called to order by organizer Lyn Hack. who introduced the local organizations and representatives who were presenting memorial wreaths. Presenting organizations included American legion Post 104, Amvet Post 600, Amvet Post 600 Auxiliary, Marine Corps League Currahee Detachment 1303, VFW Post 4346, VFW Post 4346 Auxiliary, Toccoa Pilots Club, Toccoa Els Lodge, Toccoa Elks Lodge Auxiliary, Daughters of the American Revolution, the Stephens County Historical Museum, and the Martin Women’s Club.
A ceremonial folding of the American flag was accompanied by the following description of the meaning of each of the 13 folds:
The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature; as American citizens trusting in God, it is Him we turn to in times of peace, as well as in times of war, for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country. In the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood. It has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that has molded the character of the men and women who have made this country great.
The 10th fold is a tribute to father, who has also given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born.
The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost.
The 13th and last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”
Guest speaker CW4 Ed Luttrell, junior instructor for the SCHS Army JROTC Currahee Warrior Battalion, spoke of the sacrifices and courage of soldiers throughout America’s history.
He said, “It’s a little quiet. A little awkward to start out a speech. But I want you guys to remember, that’s what a spouse hears, when a veteran does not come home. So when we get to listen to the birds chirping outside, when we get to smell the the sweet fragrance of spring through the Georgia hills, the creeks, the well-manicured lawns we get to drive by,the air conditioning, the warm showers — it’s all provided by someone who is not with us today.”
Luttrell is a newly-retired US Army Apache helicopter pilot with 20 years of service that includes Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Korea. He has been awarded several Bronze Stars, meritorious service and campaign medals, a Master Aviator Badge, a Combat Action badge, and more. He joined the Currahee Warrior Battalion at SCHS in 2022, and he and his wife, Rebecca, live in Toccoa with their three children, Aurora, James and Jeremy.
The ceremony closed with a 21 Gun Salute performed by the VFW Post 4346 Honor Guard, and the playing of Taps by William Tucker.