Richmond Hill honors fallen service members at Memorial Day ceremony

RICHMOND HILL, Ga. (WTOC) - Despite on and off rain showers, a large turnout gathered at the city’s Memorial Day celebration Monday.

The Richmond Hill Fire Department was packed with locals honoring the men and women who gave their lives serving the country.

Speakers reminded the crowd that Memorial Day is about much more than a ceremony.

“It is a time to reflect and honor those whose selfless service helped create the world we now live in,” a speaker said.

Local leaders emphasize sacrifice

Visitors heard from leaders, including Richmond Hill Mayor Kristi Cox, who spoke about the importance of remembering those who sacrificed for the country.

Donald Singleton, a Richmond Hill native who fought in the Vietnam War in the mid-1960s, also spoke at the event. He was 20 years old when he left home to serve.

“I was just a kid right out of Richmond Hill, never been nowhere, never did nothing,” said Singleton, now 82.

Singleton served in the 101st Airborne Division and said Memorial Day gives him the opportunity to honor the soldiers who never made it home, including the fellow service member who saved his life overseas.

“When I was in the war in Vietnam, I lost a lot of friends — a lot of friends. In fact, the guy who saved my life, who jumped on a grenade to save me, he died. So I don’t ever want to forget about him,” Singleton said.

Post commander reflects on service

Remembering those sacrifices is also personal for Sally Rejas, the Post Commander of American Legion Post 27 in Richmond Hill.

She joined the Army at 17 years old and served for seven years.

As the country approaches 250 years of freedom, she said it’s important people remember those who protected it.

“It was not free, it was a sacrifice of others,” Rejas said.

Rejas also said she appreciates those who continue to serve today.

“When I’m told thank you for your service, I tell them they are worth it. The fact that I see others willing to sacrifice and join the service and continue dedicating their life for our protection and our security means the world to me,” Rejas said.