This past Monday I attended the Memorial Day Program at the Carroll County Courthouse in Carrollton, as there were Memorial Day programs across this country. Our veterans are the best of America, those who answered the call when their nation needed them, who paid the ultimate price to protect us and our way of life. We must remember the fallen because courage, the strength, the selflessness and the sacrifice of each one of these brave warriors is the ideal to which we all should aspire. The first national observance of Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1868, then known as Decoration Day.
With Memorial Day this past Monday brought the unofficial start of summer recreation, beginning with all that comes with this time of year, school being out, and a chance to enjoy swimming in pools, lakes, and creeks. We should enjoy all that our area has to offer, but we should also keep in mind that a community tells a lot about itself by the citizens it honors, by remembering them. It is a fact we live in an area that not only recognizes their veterans but honors them. One doesn’t have to look far to see that patriotism on display from the local schools and civic organizations.
On this past Memorial Day 2025 like so many times before, I think of those who have through the years done so much to help the veterans in this community. Over the years, when attending Memorial Day programs with the American flag flying, we remember so many sacrifices that were made and an appreciation for so many with keeping the faith.
Here in the days after Memorial Day 2025, we carry our faith with us and honor those who served, that gave so much to our country and our freedoms.
Ken Strachan serves as the mayor of North Carrollton, is a member of the Mississippi Municipal League board of directors and serves on the MML education committee.
