5:25:09 Memorial Day Ceremony at Marietta National Cemetery

"The Marietta National Cemetery is canonized ground. Inside its storied gates are buried more than 10,000 veterans, spanning 23 states, from New York and Michigan to Alabama and Georgia. Men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in other wars also rest peacefully at the 139-year-old cemetery.

"For more than a half century now, a ceremony has occurred every Memorial Day at Marietta National Cemetery to honor all those who served and gave their life for our country’s freedom. It is a time to reflect on — and honor — those who stood heroically by their country during battle and who are today making the same unshakable commitment of valor in far away lands. Sponsored by the National Memorial Day Association of Georgia and The Avenue of Flags, this year’s event promises to once again stir emotions and teach young and old alike what the words duty, honor and country truly mean.

"With the help of the Boy Scouts of America, flags will be placed beside every grave at the cemetery before the official ceremony begins. The event will begin at noon on May 30th and will feature patriotic music, posting of the colors, prayers, a gun salute and inspiring speakers. All veterans, as well the general public, are invited to attend what will be a meaningful and memorable ceremony.

"Guest speaker: Major General Jerome Johnson

"Honoree Organization for 2009 Ceremony:

"The Military Order of the Purple Heart"
[My Dad, Seymour Smigrod, received a Purple Heart]

Verbatim Source: National Memorial Day Association & The Avenue of the Flags, Inc. - http://nmdaga.org/program.htm

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This video provided by Pam Younker. Pam writes (5/20): My husband’s father, a World War II Army paratrooper, is buried in the National Cemetery in Marietta. We have participated, on the Saturday before Memorial Day, with the Boy Scouts in the memorial ceremony and dressing of the graves. Several years ago, a young scout dressed Ronnie’s father’s grave, and Ronnie told the scout about his dad. The young man went home and told his father. Now, their whole family comes to the cemetery, as does ours, because, as the father of the scout put it, “I used to think Memorial Day was a day for sitting around and resting. Now, I know that there is a story behind every stone.” I hope you will enjoy this presentation that Blake Tiede’s dad, Al, put together. We have made a pact to meet the Saturday before every Memorial Day as long as we can. I hope your Memorial Day is meaningful. Remember – there is a story behind every stone. With much gratitude for being an American, Pam Younker Marietta, GA