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“Staff Sergeant Harold D. Moore was killed in action on July 18, 1944 as he led his platoon in the jungles of New Guinea.”

Staff Sergeant Harold D. Moore

World War II

By Waymon G. Moore, Navy Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class The Memorial Day ceremony will be held at the Big Canoe monument on Wilderness

Parkway on the Lake Petit Dam. The plaque honors those who have served in war and peace.

PHOTO BY RANDY LEWIS

My other brother, Lt. William C, Moore, received a battlefield commission at Normandy in June of 1944.

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I served on an ammunition ship during the battle of Okinawa in April 1945.

was the youngest of three brothers to see action in World War II. My oldest brother, Staff Sergeant Harold D. Moore, was killed in action on July 18, 1944 as he led his platoon in the jungles of New Guinea. He served with the 124th Infantry of the 31st division.

A final resting place for those who gave their lives in the service of their county. The 775-acre Georgia National Cemetery is located near the site of the Etowah burial mounds, created by American Indians of the Mississippian culture between 1000-1550 AD. The site lies midway between Cartersville and Canton, near the Etowah River, offering views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Lake Allatoona. PHOTO BY RANDY LEWIS

“Though out our nation’s long history, many families have stepped forward to offer their sons and daughters in service to protect and defend our country. We are all the beneficiaries of their sacrifice . . .”

The true cost of living in a free country

By Capt. Bill Saling, 1st Bn 22nd Infantry, 4th Infantry Division

or those of us who have served in combat and lost friends, Memorial Day is a very special day indeed. Memorial Day is not just the beginning of the summer season, nor is it another three day weekend to enjoy but rather it is a time for somber reflection on the true cost of living in a free country.

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Though out our nation’s long history, many families have stepped forward to offer their sons and daughters in service to protect and defend our country. We are all the benefi- ciaries of their sacrifice and we should be grateful that men and women are willing to put service before self and go in harm’s way to protect our way of life. In my family, my great grandfather, Pvt. John Saling, 6th Volunteer Kansas Calvary was killed in action on April 5, 1864 in Rossville, Ak. He died to help preserve our union. On November 10, 1944 my cousin, Thomas W. Saling III, was shot down over a small town in Germany while flying combat missions in a P-47 Thunderbolt. He was part of the Greatest Generation.

In Vietnam, my replacement as a rifle platoon leader was 1/Lt. Dick Collins. He was shot and killed in an ambush in November 1966. He had a new wife and a young son he never met. Dick was a graduate of West Point and lived their motto of Duty, Honor and Country. 1/Lt. Charlie Brown, SSGT. Fred Hanshew, Capt. Colin MacManus, Major Buck Ator, these are the people who I cannot forget.

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. The location of the first Decoration Day is subject to speculation but the practice of decorating the graves of our fallen warriors dates from the Civil War where the practice first began.

We pause to remember and give thanks for our brave men and women who have given their all for their country.

I urge you to fly your flag proudly and tell a veteran, “thank you for your service.” May God Bless America and those who serve in defense of our way of life.

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