Info box, correction

In last week's edition, a list of deceased members of the Co. B 117 Eng. Bn. contained inaccurate information.

M/SGT Eugene J. Hall is not deceased and should not have been listed as such.

We regret the error.

Honoring those who gave their all

By Lisa Voyles

Chickasaw Journal

HOUSTON - Despite overcast skies and scattered showers, citizens gathered on the Houston Courthouse Square Monday to remember those who served and died in battle.

The annual Memorial Day service began with prayer by Lusky Green, who hoped that the remembrance would, "rekindle a fire of patriotism in each heart," of those in attendance.

Rev. Bufurd Usry (USMC Ret.) delivered the keynote address, reminding all of the "empty chairs" left behind by those who fell in wartime.

"A memorial is something that keeps a memory alive," Usry said. "We need to remember how much our freedom has cost... in the number of people who have given their lives."

Usry spoke of his time served on Iwo Jima.

"During the 36 days we were there, almost 7,000 American soldiers died," Usry said. "Literally, we were walking on bodies."

Usry said that since his return home, he has felt that he has an obligation to carry a memorial message for those who died.

"I don't know how I escaped," Usry said. "Since I did, I have the job of more than one person for my buddies who died and did not come home."

"In the back of my van, I keep an empty chair to represent those fallen in service," Usry said. "An empty chair is one that no one else can fill."

Usry said that remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice is a patriotic duty and a meaningful tribute to families who have seen the reality of empty chairs in their home.

"They can be proud that their loved ones died for the freedom of this great United States," Usry said.

Over 1.3 million soldiers have perished during wartimes since the Revolutionary War. Following the Civil War, women placed flowers on graves instituting Decoration Day. After World War I, Memorial Day was expanded to include American casualties of any war or military action.