Memorial Day of 2022, on Monday, May 30, at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery (GVMC) in Glennville aptly and fittingly remembered those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms and for those of other countries.

The 11 a.m. ceremony, under the threat of rain, dark clouds, and the rumble of thunder, was a tribute to those service members who served so valiantly and are today buried at the GVMC along with their family members.

Director of the GVMC in Glennville Ernie Cowart opened the event, recognizing the service members of the local VFW and American Legion who participated and for the placement of the American flags by local Boy Scout Troop 929 and others at the Cemetery.

Glennville Mayor Bernie Weaver thanked those in the crowd of several hundred who had served their country and the American heroes who had gone on before them.

Georgia State Representative Bill Werkheiser acknowledged that there is never complete healing in the loss of a loved one, especially in combat, and our responsibility is to continue to remember these deceased veterans and their families as well who have sacrificed much.

Prior to the keynote address by Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Joseph L. Handke, who was accompanied by Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Jason A. Obermuller, the Posting of the Colors was conducted by 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry, Division, Ft. Stewart. LTC Handke is the Battalion Commander of 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Ft. Stewart, Georgia.

The national anthem was sung by Specialist Bojoh after the Posting of the Colors.

LTC Handke reminded those attending of our values, freedom, and liberties represented by those buried in the GVMC. He commented that 2095 veterans, spouses, and family members are buried in the Glennville cemetery.  Also, he shared, Warriors Walk, next to Cotrell Field on Ft. Stewart, has 479 crepe myrtle trees that represent the life of a soldier, a living tribute to each one who gave their life in service.  This Walk commemorates the service and sacrifice of the soldiers and attached units of 3rd Infantry Division, Ft. Stewart/Huner Army Airfield, who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

“Since Memorial Day of 2021, we want to remember today four fallen heroes who were Georgians and service members assigned to Georgia military bases who gave their lives serving in our armed forces: Army Staff Sergeant Ryan Ozment, 29 of Marietta Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 198th Infantry Brigade (Ft. Benning, GA), June 20, 2021; Air Force Master Sergeant Monica Gonzales, 23rd Security Forces Squadron (Moody Air Force Base, GA), June 28, 2021; Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jonathon Gierke of Lawrenceville, Combat Logistics Battalion 24, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Camp Lejeune, North Carolina), January 19, 2022; and Army Captain James Bellew, 26, of Charlottesville, Virginia,2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division (Ft. Stewart, GA), March 30, 2022,» LTC Handke said. “It is only fitting that we honor and remember their labors, and that this day is a fitting tribute to honor them.  We must always remember that these are ordinary people who served with courage and selfless actions.”

Following LTC Handke’s stirring remarks, the Retirement of the Colors was held, followed by a gun salute by the 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Ft. Stewart.

The playing of the solemn “Taps” was conducted by Specialist Christopher Pate of the 3rd Infantry Division Band, Ft. Stewart, with the ceremony ending with the raising of the American flag to full staff by local Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion members Gary Yawn and Norman Davisworth.

Cowart closed the ceremony with comments of gratitude to LTC Handke and other members of the military from Ft. Stewart for their participation in the Memorial Day ceremony.