ELLIJAY, Ga. – Gilmer County, together with the Daughters of the American Revolutions, Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of the Confederacy, Boy Scouts of America, Speaker David Ralston, and the Board of Commissioners, joined to honor Memorial Day with special services and salutes today, May 27, 2019.

The services began with posting the colors. Three members of the BoyScouts raised the American Flag to the top of the flag pole. Those gathered offered their Pledge of Allegiance before the Daughters of the American Revolution led the crowd in the American’s Creed. As they completed the creed, the scouts lowered the flag to “half-mast” in honor of the fallen.

From Gilmer High School, Sophomore Sophie Burnette, 14, daughter of Jason and Kerry Burnette, sang the nation’s anthem “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Honoring those who serve and fell, the guest speaker for the services, a veteran himself, Gilmer County Board of Education Member Jim Parmer spoke on his service shortly before offering several poems he wrote during his service and time as a reservist. Recalling the thoughts and feelings of those in service, from doubts to regrets and the things he missed at home, Parmer shared the sacrifices soldiers make in service. Those who sacrificed their lives didn’t just die for our country, but sacrificed their way of life until their death. They lived in death until they finally followed with it.

As the ceremonies concluded with a gun salute from the Sons of the Confederacy, Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston offered closing prayers and joined as the crowd sang “God Bless America.”