Memorial Day was commemorated last Monday with a ceremony at the Veteran's Memorial at the DeKalb County Courthouse in Smithville. The event featured singing, prayer, and a 21 gun salute.

The Smithville/DeKalb Community Chorus began the ceremony, entertaining the crowd with several patriotic songs. Susan Hinton then recited the lyrics to the song Some Gave All by Billy Ray Cyrus.

I knew a man, called him Sandy Cane
Few folks even knew his name
But a hero, yes was he
Left a boy, came back a man
Still many just don’t understand
About the reasons we are free
I can’t forget the look in his eyes
Or the tears he cried
As he said these words to me

All Gave Some, Some Gave All
Some stood through for the red, white and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall
Some Gave All

Now Sandy Cane is no longer here
But his words are oh so clear
As they echo throughout our land
For all his friends who gave us all
Who stood their ground and took the fall
To help their fellow man
Love your country and live with pride
And don’t forget those who died
America can’t you see?

All Gave Some, Some Gave All
Some stood through for the red, white and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall
Some Gave All

And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall
Yes recall
Some Gave All
Some Gave All

The recital was followed by God Bless America by the Community Chorus.

Adjutant to the American Legion Post 122 Ronny Redmon led the ceremony, then Brother Don Rigsby gave a short speech saying, "We honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we could be here today. I had the opportunity to serve 31 years, 21 active duty. A lot of times, we were proud of our country, but we missed it when we were away. The hardest thing for me was wanting to be back home in America, land of the free and home of the brave."

Rigsby then led the crowd in prayer, saying in part, "We remember, especially today, the sacrifice many gave for our country. Lord, I remember as I served in Southeast Asia, and in Europe, the bodies of those who came back and gave the ultimate sacrifice. Lord, we don't want to forget them ... Thank you for the men and women that are fighting even today. They may be called at any moment to give their life in service for our country. Help us support them and all that they do."

State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver then led the National Anthem, followed by a 21-gun salute by an honor guard with the Marine Corp League Detachment 1377 and Taps performed by sophomore Jaden Wildes of the DeKalb County High School Fighting Tiger Band.

Veterans then gathered at the Veteran's Monument for the Laying of the Wreath ceremony.