American Legion Post #4 and American Legion Auxiliary Unit #4 extend an invitation to the community to attend their annual Memorial Day Program. The solemn event will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 26, at Livingston’s Central Park located at 140 S Spring Street. Residents are encouraged to join in commemorating the profound sacrifices made by the nation's fallen service members. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be relocated to the Joe L. Evins Community Center.
Memorial Day, observed annually on the last Monday in May, serves as a dedicated day of remembrance for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. military. The holiday's origins trace back to the period following the Civil War, and it was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 1971. Beyond its commemorative significance, the long Memorial Day weekend traditionally marks the unofficial commencement of the summer vacation season.
This year’s program will feature a keynote address by the distinguished Master Sergeant R. Matthew Sims. Sergeant Sims enlisted in the Army in 1997 and underwent basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, before specializing as a Combat Medic at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. His exemplary service includes multiple deployments in support of Operation Desert Tempest, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation New Dawn. During one arduous combat tour, Sergeant Sims sustained injuries on three separate occasions, including a broken neck, fractured skull, fractured femur, collapsed lung, and shrapnel wounds. His valor and dedication have been recognized through numerous military decorations, including three Purple Hearts, the Legion of Merit, two Soldiers Medals, two Meritorious Service Medals, and four Army Commendation Medals, among others.
The Memorial Day program will also include the poignant laying of Memorial wreaths, a special tribute honoring local Gold Star families, and the highly anticipated crowning of the new American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Princess.
Members of American Legion Bohannon Post #4 will be supported by the dedicated members of American Legion Auxiliary Unit #4, the Overton County Veterans Coalition Honor Guard, engaged community members and the Livingston Academy Band, ensuring a dignified and moving ceremony.
On Memorial Day, a significant tradition involves the display of the United States flag. It is to be raised briskly to the top of the staff at the start of the day and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it will remain until noon. At that time, it will be raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day.
Furthermore, in accordance with the National Moment of Remembrance resolution passed in December 2000, all Americans are encouraged to participate in a voluntary and informal moment of remembrance at 3 p.m. local time. This observance invites individuals to pause from their activities for a moment of silence or to listen to the solemn strains of “Taps” as a collective expression of respect.
The American Legion Post #4 and American Legion Auxiliary Unit #4 warmly invite the public to bring their chairs and join them for this important program of remembrance and gratitude. Refreshments will be served immediately following the ceremony. Limited reserved seating will be available for veterans and senior citizens.
