性视界传媒

Community members gathered at the Guntersville Veterans Memorial for a solemn Memorial Day ceremony to honor the memories of fallen service members.

Corporal Lief Thornton hosted the ceremony and invited attendees to speak aloud the names of friends, family, and fellow service members who died in action or as a result of their service. Dozens in the crowd responded, voicing the names, ranks, and divisions of their loved ones.

Army Lt. Col. Bill Franklin recalled comrades he lost during the Battle of Ia Drang.

"I lost my radio operator named Richard Tesla, a young man from New York City - he got shot and killed right beside me," Franklin said. "Sergeant Jerry Jivins was one of my squad leaders, and the thing I remember - I can't get out of my mind he called my name - Lieutenant Franklin, Lieutenant Franklin, about three times, and he was about ten feet to my right in the tall grass, and then he died. So those are the things you'll never forget."

For Thornton, he's not just remembering fallen service members; he's remembering his brother, and these memories are essential despite the pain it may bring.

"It's very personal to me; I mean, I lost my brother; I've lost my brothers in arms that we're killed in combat," Thornton said. "So, to take a few minutes and just remember them and say their name. That's why I said their names because it's special."

As Memorial Day weekend is often associated with recreation and barbecues, Franklin reminded attendees that the day carries a much deeper meaning for many.

"Let's celebrate Memorial Day for what it really is: the men and women who gave their lives in combats," Franklin said. "It's alright to have fun, but make sure to remember when you're cooking out too on that weekend."

The ceremony concluded with a prayer, honoring not only the fallen but also their surviving families and those lost to suicide or illness after their service.