Dianne Edmondson
At Robson Ranch Memorial Day is more than just a holiday for fun with families and friends. Fittingly, more than 100 patriots gathered at Veterans Park between the Pro Shop and the Clubhouse on Memorial Day 2018 to join Support Our Troops in celebrating Memorial Day appropriately.
SOT President Susan Galbraith welcomed the crowd who came to honor our military heroes, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by Captain Frank Freisheim, who served 41.5 years in the US Coast Guard both stateside and overseas.
Very meaningful remarks on “The Paradox of Remembrance” were delivered by Lt. Commander Gerald Jones, who served two different stints in the military, culminating in 20 years of service, first in the Air Force and then as a Navy Chaplain at Norfolk, Jacksonville, Parris Island, Gulfport, Miramar and Pendleton. He then continued his ministerial duties as Head Elder at Denton’s First Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Continuing the annual SOT tradition of adding memorial bricks to the park, SOT First Vice President Darin Burke read the names of those added this year and marked those bricks with ribbons to make it easier for honorees’ families to locate their locations.
Noting that the battles of war scar the hearts of countless families, Susan then joined with Robson Singers Bob Toller, Doug Atkins, Jim Galbraith, Richard Marsela, Dick Welday and Mike Welton to sing the prayer of families everywhere, Bring Him Home. This haunting ballad is one of the favorite compositions from the hit Broadway musical, Les Misérables. This song’s moving lyrics, its selfless plea for a young man heading into battle, touched the hearts and emotions of all in attendance.
Susan then closed this beautiful service by reminding us that, “Some returned home, others were wounded, some returned to their heavenly home and we honor them all.” After Taps was bugled by Mike Welton, all turned their eyes skyward to watch the aerial flyover salute to our brave military members by Robson Ranch resident pilots Jim Gregg, Jr. and Tom Richard.
To really experience the true meaning of Memorial Day, plan to join SOT for our patriotic remembrances next year. You will be blessed and moved by our service.