Overview of the Lake Lure Memorial Day Program
Lake Lure Mayor Carol Pritchett thanked the attendees for coming out to join the Memorial Day Program. She recognized Rutherford County Sheriff Aaron Ellenberg for attending the program and bringing his Honor Guard.
Mayor Pritchett shared that "the memories and emotions of this day are always very poignant. For countless families across our nation, Memorial Day is a stark and often painful reminder of those who have been lost in service to our Country. Today, we remember those who sacrificed so we could live in freedom. This Memorial Day, we're thankful for those who gave their lives while serving. And we're thinking of those who have lost someone they love.
Mayor Pritchett asked attendees to join her in recognizing those mothers, fathers, siblings, and children who were present and lost a loved one in service. She asked these family members to please stand or raise their hand so the group could honor them. She added that their courage and grace after such unimaginable loss were inspiring.
Mayor Pritchett took the opportunity to recognize any Active Duty Military Personnel and those family members with a loved one who is serving. She gave a special thank you to all Veterans who were present, as well as their family members. She told them that they had sacrificed so much for our country and she said "we honor each of you today. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!"
Memorial Day Speakers Left to Right - Ernest Beall, Carol Pritchett, Alex Heafner, Katherine Cox, Terrell Lewis
Mayor Pritchett asked the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Honor Guard to post the Colors.
Miss Johanna Khalafalla, a Student at University if North Carolina at Asheville and a Graduate of Lake Lure Classical Academy led the National Anthem.
O say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave
Mr. Nixon Vivolo, a student from Lake Lure Classical Academy, led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Mayor Pritchett invited Alex Heafner, Pastor of the Chimney Rock Baptist Church, to lead the invocation.
Mayor Pritchett introduced Col. Ernest Beall by sharing that he was a product of the great State of Mississippi. His formal education includes a Bachelor’s Degree form Delta State University in Cleveland MS and a Master’s Degree from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. Following graduation from Delta State, he obtained his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps.
During his 27 year career, he commanded every size organization from Platoon through Regiment. His combat experience was in Vietnam during the TET Offensive of 1967-68. Among his decorations are the Bronze Star with Combat V and the Legion of Merit.
While stationed as the Marine Barracks in Washington, DC, he was honored to be appointed as a White House Military Aide to President and Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson. Col. “Bell” retired from the Marine Corps in 1986, and presently resides in Concord, NC with his wife Margaret. They also enjoy their vacation home here in Lake Lure.
Katherine Cox shared a poignant rendition of "That Old King James" by Scotty McCreery.
Preacher gave it to him when he was 8
That sunday morning he got saved in that little church
Granddaddy toted it to bible school
I bet back then it looked brand new, not a faded word
Now the cover's torn, and the leather's worn
On that old King James
He took it with him overseas
England, france and germany
Right there in the middle of hell
Said he read it every night
He swore that it saved his life
His only hope when there was no hope left
Was in that old King James
He passed it down to mama on the day he died
Sat there for the longest time
Just gathering the dust
But when life would take a sharp turn every now and then
And she would just start missing him,
I'd see her pick it up
Now the cover's torn, and the leather's worn
On that old King James
You'll find on every other page yellow lines or tear drop stains
Every chapter of that good book
Been through cancer war, and crazy kids
All the stupid things I did
I may never know the toll I took
On her and that old King James
Yeah I'm the one who's got it now
She said read it when you're feeling down
And I said yes ma'am
Now the cover's torn and the leather's worn
On that old King James
Pastor Heafner led the audience in a closing prayer followed by Taps which were played by Mr. Ken Potter.
In the late 1800s, the Army formally adopted the tune for use at military funerals and memorial services. Today, the 24 mournful notes comprising “Taps” are played to commemorate the memory of members of all five branches of the armed forces: the Army, the Navy, the Marine Corps, the Air Force, and the Coast Guard.
Mayor Carol Pritchett thanked the panel for their participation in the program and the audience for their attendance. She invited everyone to stay for a continental breakfast served by the 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa and the Town of Lake Lure.
