Brent Cummings member of the SCA and Charles Alphin, Major US Army, Ret and member of the American Legion

American Legion member and retired Army Major Charles Alphin of Buchanan spoke about the importance of Memorial Day to the student body this morning at JRHS. ” It is too often we take our freedoms for granted. They have been won by those on the battlefield who died to preserve them for us.” said Alphin to the over 400 students and faculty members. He told the students the history of Decoration Day which became Memorial Day– a day set aside after WWI to honor the fallen in America’s wars and conflicts.

Sarah Smith played Taps and a moment of silence and a reciting of the pledge of allegiance rounded out the morning activities.