Gautier Memorial Day Ceremony

Today is the day many of us view as the official start to the summer vacation season, but it’s important to remember why we’re able to celebrate the freedoms we have today. American Legion Post 1992 in Gautier held one of the many ceremonies honoring our fallen service members across the Coast.
Memorial Day hits close to home for Barbara Endt. “My father died in the second World War. His name was Mark Seymour and the VFW in Ocean Springs is named after him.”
Too old to be drafted in 1943, Barbara’s father volunteered for the war and went into battle about two weeks after D-Day as a replacement in the fourth infantry division. Former Department Commander of MS American Legion Robert Endt said, “They fought all the way across France and on the first day they went into Germany to attack the Siegfried line and he was killed.”
Barbara’s father is one of more than one million American soldiers we honor on this day. Even though traffic is heavy and grills are fired up, don’t forget to take a minute to truly reflect on those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. U.S. Navy Commander Jon Letourneau said, “Absolutely get out there. Enjoy picnics and barbecues and car races and everything else, just when you’re doing so just take the time to remember why we have these liberties that we have.”
And continue to tell the stories of their sacrifices and the price they paid for our freedom to future generations.