ROSWELL, Ga. – The Rotary Club of Roswell, in partnership with the Parks and Recreation department of Roswell, sponsored and produced this year’s Roswell Memorial Day Ceremony, May 27 at City Hall Grounds.
During the 22nd annual ceremony, service members representing each branch of the U.S. military were recognized. Chief Master Sgt. Marvin Jones, 94th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron superintendent, represented the U.S. Air Force during the ceremony.
“It was my honor to be asked to represent not only Dobbins and the Air Force Reserve, but most importantly, to also represent all of the Airmen and soldiers who lost their lives defending our freedom,” Jones said.
The ceremony is one of the largest ceremonies in the state of Georgia and the southeastern United States, according to Jack Wyche, a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Roswell. He works on the committee for the Memorial Day event.
“This is important to me to involve the community in an event that really means something and to honor the people that have gave everything,” said Wyche.
The theme and objective of the program was to honor the sacrifice and memory of the fallen service members throughout history who fought to gain and preserve the freedoms enjoyed in the United States.
“It is also important to me to lead from the front,” Jones said. “I want my family and my Airmen to know how important it is to pay respect to those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Without them, we would not be living in this great country. Respect, honor, and remember the sacrifices of these soldiers and families is what Memorial Day means to me.”
The event also had displays of historical and current military equipment, along with guest speakers who preserved the memories of sacrifices made on behalf of the citizens. In one of the first Roswell Memorial Day ceremonies, Brig. Gen. Paul Tibbets, who flew the Enola Gay at the end of World War II, served as a guest speaker.
“This reminds folks of what people have gone through to make sure that we all have the freedoms we have today,” said Wyche. “If we can keep the young people informed and involved, that bodes well for our future. If we don’t protect and defend our country, they won’t be here."