It starts with the “Ridge Rumble,” motorcycles rolling down Route 5 past American Legion Post 255. For years the Ridge legion hall has been the place to be for St. Mary’s countians wanting to honor those who have given their lives so that we can be free.
In opening remarks Post Commander Skip Disharoon noted that for some all Memorial Day means is “really good sales, burgers and dogs.” But he added, “We who are here know better.”
Disharoon reflected on the many fallen service men and women buried all over the world in military and private cemeteries and tragically in “unmarked graves.”
Guest speaker Patuxent River Naval Air Station Commanding Officer Capt. Ben Shevchuk thanked those assembled and observed the importance of acknowledging those who have come before us. “Their service and our acknowledgement of it bonds within us the relationship of service and honor.”
Shevchuk asked everyone to not only remember those who have died in service to the country but also their families who are left behind. “Place yourself at their sides and be their support,” he challenged.
The base commander observed about those being honored on Memorial Day: “Their sacrifices cannot be quantified but they can be remembered,” and he added, “So they are never forgotten.”
Captain Shevchuk said, “The heroes we have lost in pursuit of our (the military’s) mission represent the very best of us.” He added it represented a “commitment to serve something greater than themselves.”
The captain asked everyone to observe Old Glory and its Red, White and Blue colors representing “valor, purity and vigilance. “You will find these virtues in the heart of every serviceman,” he concluded.
After the motorcycles’ entrance, the ceremony started with presentation by the Great Mills H.S. JROTC and the entrance of color guards also from the American Legion Post 221, and the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
Rachel Jones, representing U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski, read a Memorial Day letter from her. Also speaking were State Senator Roy Dyson and Del. John Bohanan, also representing Rep. Steny Hoyer.
After the speeches, wreaths were laid at the post memorial by a number of groups on hand ceremony, including the St. Mary’s County Commissioners and representa
