Hundreds of local residents turned out Monday to remember those who paid the ultimate price of their lives to secure freedom for our country.

Perhaps the most somber Memorial Day gathering was in Fayetteville at the city cemetery among graves of soldiers who died in World War I, the Civil War and others.

Fayetteville’s keynote speaker, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Jack Wheeler, said Memorial Day is a time to “celebrate their legacy while grieving their absences in our lives. ... Fighting for peace and freedom is a noble act.”

Joining Wheeler in Fayetteville was state Rep. Matt Ramsey of Peachtree City, who urged citizens to share stories of their families’ military service with the youngest generation so they too can understand what patriotism is about, and how important the military is.

State Sen. Ronnie Chance of Tyrone noted that today’s military is an all-volunteer force, and that is especially to be commended.

“It is important to keep encouraging young men and women to voluntarily serve,” Chance said.

In Peachtree City, keynote speaker Kevin Baker of the Children of the American Revolution urged the audience to “never forget” those who served our country.

“The price of liberty is a high one,” Baker said.

Also in Peachtree City a empty chair was prominently on display to remember soldiers who were prisoners of war or missing in action. A wreath of flowers was also posted at the city’s war memorial located at City Hall Plaza.

In Tyrone, U.S. Army Col. (Ret.) Don Dickinson urged veterans returning from the war on terror to share their stories with friends and family instead of remaining silent. Their silence allows the only voices about the war to come from war critics, Dickinson said.

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