• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

CAMP BLANDING – At its peak, Camp Blanding was so large it ranked as the fourth largest city in Florida as it would train almost 1 million soldiers to do battle in World War II. On Monday, about 150 people gathered at the camp for Memorial Day to remember those who died while serving in the country’s armed forces.

“Americans must never forget the sacrifices of our fellow countrymen in defending our country and protecting our freedom. Let us never forget that freedom is not free and that we should all be grateful for the men and women throughout history who have given their lives to keep us free,” said State Rep. Bobby Payne(R-19) of Palatka.

Payne said it was an honor for him to return to Camp Blanding for this day of remembrance. As a child, Payne spent many weekends and summers at the camp while his father, Lt. Col. William H. Payne, taught officers’ cadet school there. A member of the 9th Armored Division of the U.S. Army, William H. Payne was only 17 when he signed up to fight in World War II and “just a few days shy of his 20th birthday” when his division would land on Utah Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944.

Payne said Memorial Day is an opportunity “for us to pause as we’re reminded of the greatest sacrifices that the men and women of the armed forces have made and still make for us today.”

There is a growing sentiment in the U.S. that people have forgotten the meaning of Memorial Day. Many view this celebratory weekend as merely the kickoff of the summer season, however, those who served take the day of remembrance seriously.

“This entire Memorial Day weekend should have been filled with a spirit that Americans share when we celebrate our past,” said retired Maj. Gen. Ronald O. Harrison, former Adjutant General of Florida, addressing the celebration.

“These dedications are a remember that all Americans, young and old, should see and have appreciation for. I hope our school children will be exposed to it across this land and come to understand those incredible times in our history,” Harrison said.

First celebrated as Decoration Day in the years after the Civil War, Memorial Day did not become an official federal holiday until 1971.

Harrison said that every time he visits an historic battle site, he is reminded of the spirit of the American soldier and the courage they mustered to fight and die for their country.

“You see that spirit every day when you see these magnificent soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and Coast guardsmen on the news,” Harrison said. “They have something special in today’s society, but it’s not unique to those who wore the uniform throughout our history. It’s a spirit that inculcates a strong set of values – determination and duty, commitment, patriotism, professionalism, honor, selfless service, loyalty, moral and physical courage.”

At the same time Harrison encouraged attendees to remember those who died in service, he said it’s as equally important to remember U.S. service men and women who are on active duty today. He said there are thousands of U.S. military currently serving in more than 80 countries.

“Today, thousands of those serving around the world are National Guard and Reserve of all military services.” Harrison said.

“Right here in North Florida certainly multiples of hundreds and maybe thousands of your neighbors have symbolically rallied on the green and assembled at the bridge as the militia did in 1775, when they put down the plowshare, left their shops and homes, picked up a musket, and literally ran to the sounds of the guns, all to answer the call to arms and take their place in history.”

Harrison also encouraged guests to take time to honor the families of the service members who died in combat as part of Memorial Day.

“Our heart and gratitude is with them,” he said. “We hope that through this remembrance, we can give strength and comfort those whose loved ones have died serving our country. Their work is done. Ours isn’t.”