By VICTORIA PRAY
Moapa Valley Progress
A Memorial Day flagraising service was held at the Pioneer Cemetery in Overton at 7:00 am on Monday, May 27. Local Boy Scouts presented a flag presentation ceremony and those in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Then all joined in singing “God Bless America”.
Event Organizer Lorraine O’Dell asked those in attendance to comment on what they love most about the United States of America. A few things that were mentioned in response were freedom of speech, freedom of religion and equality to all.
One middle school-aged girl said that she was grateful to be able to attend school and learn because. She acknowledged that in some other countries girls aren’t allowed to go to school.
O’Dell went on to recognize all veterans in attendance as well as those who are currently serving. She reminded those in attendance that Memorial Day is about more than hamburgers and hot dogs, it is about loved ones lost in service of country.
O’Dell is the proud mother to two sons who both chose to serve in the military. Unfortunately, around Veteran’s Day she lost one of her sons while he was serving his country. Her other son is still serving.
After losing her son, O’Dell inquired at the Veteran’s Day parade what she could do to be a part of the organization and signed up at the Overton park that day. She became a volunteer and then president.
“I love America and I know our community loves America,” she said. “I’m grateful for this country and the freedom that we have.”
O’Dell hopes to inspire in local youth an appreciation of the freedoms that they enjoy and the cost of those freedoms.
“I hope that our youth will look at the freedoms we have that other countries don’t have, and that they will carry on the traditions and remember the reason why we celebrate these holidays,” she said.
