By Christopher Edmunds

The Selma Times-Journal 

 

Fallen service men and women were honored during a service — organized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3016 — held at Memorial Stadium Monday.

“We had a crowd of about 100 people,” VFW Post 3016 commander Dennis Doherty said. “I remember when I first started, we only had two sets of bleachers. Now, we have five, and there are still people standing.”

Doherty said the attendance and respect of community members and leaders makes the program worthwhile every year.

“I think it will continue to grow,” Doherty said. “It’s great to see this kind of support, and we really appreciate it.”

The service featured the laying of wreaths at the foot of the Memorial Stadium monuments and a speech from Dallas County Sheriff Harris Huffman.

“This monument shows an eternal flame,” Huffman said in his speech. “As well it should. Memorial Day is observed once a year, but it should be remembered every day.”

Throughout his speech, Huffman discussed the idea of patriotism and sacrifice for one’s country.

Huffman concluded by stressing the freedom to vote as one of the most important freedoms that Americans possess.

“Each and every one of us has that right,” Huffman said, “so let’s get out there and use it.”

Patsy Stone, ladies auxiliary president to VFW post 3016, was one of several community leaders to place flowers on the monument.

Stone said she was excited to see so many people paying their respects to fallen soldiers.

“We had a really nice crowd,” she said. “The whole event turned out really well.”

The Memorial Day service concluded with taps and a prayer for veterans and their families.