Memorial Day Bell Ringing For Those Lost During Sparta Ceremony

Residents from across White County gathered at the Rotary Club of Sparta Veterans Park for its Memorial Day service.

The program was put on by Sparta’s American Legion, featuring the ringing of the bells for those killed in action since the American Revolution. American Legion Post 99 Commander Ronald Lapierre said the message for the public on Memorial Day should be a remembrance of lives lost, for freedoms taken for granted.

“People don’t realize the average soldier in World War II was 19 years old,” Lapierre said. “Just like in Vietnam, the average soldier was 19 and these guys go out there and sacrifice everything for something that the American people should believe in.”

Lapierre said it was a beautiful sight to see the Veterans Park nearly at capacity with people there to honor fallen servicemen and women. Lapierre said he hopes the public can acknowledge Memorial Day is not about celebrating, but to honor those who paid the ultimate price for our country.

“We’re trying to bring awareness, most people get it confused with Veterans Day and Memorial Day,” Lapierre said. “It’s not a day just to go out and have a barbecue. Memorial Day is to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for your freedom.”