Azure West/Jefferson Jimplecute
On a sunny Memorial Day morning, the Oakwood Cemetery was the scene of a poignant and heartfelt service honoring those who have given their lives in service to the nation led by Marion County Judge, and U.S. Navy veteran, Leward LaFleur, the hour-long program highlighted the sacrifices made by Marion County residents.
“Every tombstone on this hallowed ground is a love that burns earth beneath us. And it bleeds from the heart of all those who died, so we might live free. We can never replace them, never repay them. But we can always remember them today. That is why we are here today,” said keynote speaker Jefferson native SMSgt LaTosha Jenkins.
Jenkins is a graduate of Jefferson High School and is the Wing Aviation Resource Management Functional Manager for Joint Base Charleston at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. She shared her experiences and insights from her career, which includes leading 47 Aviation Resource Management Airmen, supporting 21 Reserve members and three civilians. Jenkins oversees operations for 1,468 rated Career Enlisted Aviators across 22 specialties. She has served in various capacities in the Air Force and Navy, including a deployment to Iraq in 2010. She has over 20 years of service in the U.S. Air Force.
Two flags were presented during the ceremony. The first, Jenkins’ husband SMSgt Nicholas Jenkins presented to LaTosha’s her mother in memory of her grandfather. LaTosha said she came across the flag at her grandmothers home and wanted to pass it along to her mother.
The second was presented to the family of PFC Johnny Wayne McCain who was killed in Vietnam in 1967. McCain’s father is a 105 year-old WWII veteran and resident of Marion County.
The Marshall High School JROTC Color Guard presented the colors, highlighted flags during the Armed Forces Medley, and lowed the cemetery’s American Flag to half-staff, demonstrating precision and respect. The group also performed a presentation of the “Thirteen Folds of the Flag” by folding an American Flag while the meaning behind each fold was recited.
Other portions of the program included:
• The Pledge of Allegiance by Bronx and Spade
• Presentation of the Battlefield Cross by Nicholas Jenkins
• “Battle Hymn of the Republic” sung by Marlena Cooper
• “Star Spangled Banner” sung by Brooklynn Bradley-LaFleur
• Hanner Buckner performed “America the Beautiful” on violin
• Michelle Brady, Jefferson’s newest enlistee, gave a tribute to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
• Grace Buckner delivered the Gettysburg Address
• Debbie Brown gave the POW/MIA remembrance
• Glenda Amber read “In Flanders Field”
• Taps were performed by Jacob Laster
• “Amazing Grace” was played on the bagpipes by Howard Blatch
• Diamond Don Cannon Brigade gave a 21-gun salute
The Memorial Day service at Oakwood Cemetery was a profound reminder of the sacrifices made by so many to ensure the freedoms enjoyed today. Each participant, from the youngest JROTC cadet to the distinguished guest speaker, contributed to a day of remembrance that honored the past and inspired the present.
The annual remembrance event is sponsored by American Legion Post 304, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10373, both of Jefferson.