Memorial Day: A day of remembrance
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Ozark Mountain Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) are hosting a Memorial Day Ceremony at the Springfield National Cemetery to remember the sacrifices of US Military members.
Organizer Charles McMillan says the purpose of the ceremony is to provide education and awareness for future generations about those who gave their lives for freedom.
“Memorial Day to me is a solemn occasion,” McMillan said. “It’s reverence, remembering that person who gave his life, who died in battle, that we might have the freedoms that we have today.”
Originally called “Decoration Day” honoring the lives lost in the Civil War, it was later changed to Memorial Day to honor the lives lost in all US wars.
The Springfield National Cemetery pays tributes to soldiers from all wars including one headstone for a Revolutionary War soldier William Freeman.
This year’s ceremony will feature a presentation of the colors by Republic High School’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC), a parade of flags, and an address from Ken McClure Springfield’s former mayor.
McMillian says this year Tony Orlando plans be in attendance to receive the highest non-member award given by the SAR.
Throughout the National Cemetery, volunteers have previously placed flags by every gravestone. McMillan says helping place flags is a great way to get involved year over year, but he encourages everyone to pause and reflect.
“Remember the true meaning of Memorial Day. Even if it’s just for a fleeting moment,” McMillan said. “Then go ahead and enjoy your three day weekend thinking about having go back to work or the beginning of summer or whatever, but just take a small amount of time at least to remember.”
To access the video, click on the link below, or click the picture.
https://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/memorial-day-a-day-of-remembrance/amp/
About Ozark Mountain Sons of the American Revolution
Our History
Our History
Founded in 1889, The Sons of the American Revolution was organized to ensure that Washington's efforts to create and sustain a representative republic would not be in vain. The original 'sons' were also dedicated to ensuring that veterans of the revolution would be recognized and compensated.
Our Mission
Our History
At the Ozark Mountain Chapter Sons of the American Revolution, our mission is to honor our forefathers, provide patriotic education to our citizens (especially our youth) and to reward acts of patriotism, heroism, and service. Our focus area is South Central Missouri, but we serve state and nationwide as well.
Our Organization
Our Organization
The OMCSAR is a chapter of the Missouri Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. We are organized to perform our mission. We elect officers yearly to allow growth and new ideas. We also have select committees to accomplish each major aspect of our mission; i.e., Membership, Service, Youth, Education, Budget, etc.
Contact Us
Visit us: 3rd Saturday of each month at 9:30 a.m., except August and November
Room 108, Information Commons West
Ozarks Technical Community College
1001 E. Chestnut Expressway
Springfield MO 65802
Email us at: president@ozarkmountainsar.com
Donations
Please donate to our tax-exempt, non-profit, charitable organization, as we educate citizens about our amazing American heritage and the importance of patriotism. 100% of your donations go directly to our mission and enables us to purchase awards for Veterans, First Responders, ROTC/JROTC, Scouts, and schools.