As if the sky was in agreement, members of the Lawton-Fort Sill community gathered at the Post Cemetery to remember the fallen in a somber setting as the rain came pouring down.
"The patriots we have laid to rest were fighting for many things. For their families, for their flag, but above all they were fighting for you. They were fighting to ensure the sacrifices of those that came before them were not in vain so those that have come behind them can still remain proud of their service," said Maj. Gen. Mark McDonald, Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill commanding general. "Because of their sacrifices, we were able to grow up without fear of a harsh and tyrannical government. Because of them, the American dream is very real for those who put forth the effort and dedication to reach it. Because of them, our country remains the land of the free."
McDonald emphasized when a Soldier falls, their loved ones stumble with them. He reminded guests that they carry the weight of the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of their days.
Stephen Gilson, guest speaker and Cameron University cadet, agreed that Memorial Day is not just to honor the sacrifice of the fallen, but also the families they leave behind.
"A lot of people will miscontsrue Memorial Day, they'll stop us and thank us and that's nice that they do that, but that's not what this day is. That's what Veterans Day is for, to remember those that serve. This is the day to remember those that have given everything and to remember those that carry on those torches those wives and sons and daughters. They didn't necessarily volunteer for it, but they have served right alongside their ," said Gilson.
The ceremony's backdrop was lined with headstones marked by American flags local VFW members and Boy Scouts placed for Memorial Day.
Gilson said before the ceremony he spent time in the cemetery to really grasp what the day was about.
"I didn't realize there were nearly 3,000 people buried here. I've driven by it a lot of times, but to walk through and see Silver Star after Silver Star and Bronze Star and Purple Hearts and POWs it's humbling to walk through there and realize so many stories and so many sacrifices are contained in that little section of ground," said Gilson.
Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Don Fenter, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5263 commander, told how Memorial Day celebrations began 148 years ago when a drug store owner in Waterloo, N.Y., suggested all the local businesses set aside one day to honor the fallen Soldiers of the Civil War.
"Widows placed wild flowers on fresh graves, towns people made wreaths and crosses to place on the headstones, flags were proudly waved at half and the American tradition was born."
He quoted Gen. George Patton who once said during a Memorial Day service, "In my mind we come here to thank God that men like these lived rather than to regret that they died."
Fenter asked that those in attendance do the same.
"I ask that today you do not accept feelings of grief or affliction without encompassing the feelings of honor, patriotism and pride," said Fenter.
Gilson closed the ceremony as he spoke of the future of the military.
"I realize that my generation stands on the shoulders of giants. And, our successes no matter how great will be built on the backs of the countless sacrifices made by men and women like those we stand here to remember today," said Gilson. "The environment in which we lead may change, but what it takes to lead will always be the same. Thus our past and our future will forever be intertwined."
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