Memorial Day 2018: Rock Creek Veterans defy rainy forecast to remember fallen service members

After everything these soldiers have faced, they weren't going to let a little rain keep them from paying tribute to the Hall County service members who have given the ultimate sacrifice in battle.

The Rock Creek Vietnam Veterans of Gainesville made sure there were tents set up to protect those attending Sunday afternoon's Memorial Day ceremony from the rainy weather, but it turned out the precipitation ended just before the 2 p.m. event began.

Vietnam veteran Johnny Hulsey, one of the organizers of the annual ceremony, pointed out that the flags in Rock Creek Veterans Park had been lowered to half staff.

"The reason for that is that greater love has no man than this than to lay down his life for his country and his fellow soldier," Hulsey said. Then, the veterans took turns placing roses at the Korean and Vietnam Veteran War Memorials - one rose for each service member who perished in those two conflicts.

In addition to remembering service members who died in those wars, the group honored Hall County veterans who had died in the past year.

Dr. Tom Smiley, the senior pastor of Lakewood Baptist Church in Gainesville, was the keynote speaker for the 2018 Memorial Day service. 

"Let's honor them not only with our words and flags and flowers, but let's honor them with our actions and our dedication as we strive to keep America strong," Smiley said. 

More than 100 people attended the 2018 ceremony in Gainesville Sunday afternoon.

American flags line the walkway leading to Rock Creek Veterans Park in Gainesville.

Attendees at the Memorial Day ceremony at Rock Creek Park made sure they were armed with umbrellas. The rain tapered off just as the ceremony began at 2 p.m.

The Rock Creek Vietnam Veterans set up tents to shield participants from the rain.

Flags were lowered to half staff in memory of the 168 service members from Hall County who perished in battles from World War I to present day.

Part of the Sunday ceremony included the laying of roses at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. One rose was placed for each soldier from Hall County who was killed in Vietnam.

Dr. Tom Smiley, senior pastor of Lakewood Baptist Church in Gainesville, delivered the keynote speech.

Neely Webster of Dahlonega, center, is surrounded by members of the Rock Creek Vietnam Veterans. The 12-year-old has performed for several years during Memorial Day and Veterans Day events. The veterans gave a contribution to her scholarship fund Sunday.

Each rose at the Korean War Memorial signifies a Hall County soldier who died in the Korean Conflict.

The American flag flies at half staff at Rock Creek Veterans Park.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2018/5/675111/memorial-day-2018-rock-creek-veterans-defy-rainy-forecast-to-remember-fallen-service-members