Crowd hears sacrifice cornerstone of freedom

SUPREME SACRIFICE REMEMBERED

  • U.S. Army veteran Jerry Barnes used his faith in Jesus Christ as a cornerstone when he addressed the Memorial Day crowd at Veterans Memorial Park.
    U.S. Army veteran Jerry Barnes used his faith in Jesus Christ as a cornerstone when he addressed the Memorial Day crowd at Veterans Memorial Park.
  • Fannin County High School graduate Reese Lindstrom and the National Anthem at the Memorial Day service at Veterans Memorial Park.
    Fannin County High School graduate Reese Lindstrom and the National Anthem at the Memorial Day service at Veterans Memorial Park.
  • Chris McKee Posts the Colors at the beginning of the Memorial Day ceremony in the Fannin County Veterans Memorial Park. A large crowed turned out for the annual event to remember the supreme sacrifice of the men and women who have given their lives in the service of the United States.
    Chris McKee Posts the Colors at the beginning of the Memorial Day ceremony in the Fannin County Veterans Memorial Park. A large crowed turned out for the annual event to remember the supreme sacrifice of the men and women who have given their lives in the service of the United States.

    “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” Jerry Barnes quoted those words of Jesus (John 15:13) when he spoke to the Memorial Day crowd Monday.

    Barnes, a U.S. Army veteran, was the guest speaker for the annual ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Park remembering those who have given the supreme sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

    Barnes, whose service included an overseas deployment in Iraq and the Middle East, concentrated on sacrifice and what it means to the freedoms Americans enjoy today.

    Men and women have given their lives “so that generations and generations of Americans can pursue life, liberty and happiness,” he said. “All accomplishments have been made possible by our fallen heroes.”

    Barnes remembered the words of President Ronald Reagan who described those who have given their lives for freedom as losing two lives, “The life that they had and the life they were going to have.”

    “Every time you feel your heart beat, we should remember, we should honor, we should be respectful” of the sacrifices made for freedom, Barnes said.

    North Georgia Honor Guard Commander Bill Stodghill added, “We must maintain our freedom through strength,” because America is only one generation away from losing freedom.