As grills were lit, pools were filled and drinks were chilled,it was the sweet smell of remembrance that saturated the air infront of the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Government Complex Monday asVeterans of Foreign Wars Post 2618 reminded Lincoln County what thetrue purpose of Memorial Day is.

A crowd of about 50 people gathered on the steps of thecourthouse in front of the Lincoln County Veterans Memorial to paytheir respects to fallen soldiers from the area and to keep in mindall of those who sacrificed their lives for their country.

“Memorial Day, a day to pay our respects and a day to admirethose who have gone before,” said Ret. Army Lt. Col. Chaplin MackMassey. “Most of all, it is a day to reflect on the principles weas Americans hold dear. These same principles for which, in theface of extreme danger, these servicemen and women we honor todaydisplayed courage, loyalty and fidelity to one another and to ourcountry.”

Participants from the crowd read names from the memorial,recognizing nearly 100 soldiers from Lincoln County who have fallenin combat.

“Through the last 200 years of our nation’s history, it has beennecessary on all too many occasions for Americans to take up armsand fight for the principles which we hold so dear,” said Massey inan address to the crowd. “In every one of these conflicts, militarypersonnel have fought and died so that the rest of us could have abetter existence and the freedom to enjoy it.”

Once men and women from the area were recognized for theirservice to America, the crowd drew silent as a wreath was placed infront of the memorial and time was taken for taps to echo in frontof the courthouse.

“The men and women of our military forces – the Army, Navy, AirForce, Marines and Coast Guard – are the very backbone of whatmakes this country great,” said Massey. “They protect us fromforces without, keep us safe and ensure our ability to live in asociety where we truly are able to enjoy the rights of life,liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

When speaking to the crowd, VFW Post 2618 Commander Ret. ArmySgt. First Class Billy Hughes said less than 1 percent recognizeMemorial Day for its true meaning. He said he hopes the holidayreceives a public revival.

“I hope one day when we have a Memorial Day here, you’ll needthe city police on the corner,” said Hughes. “I may never see thatday.”

While observing the crowd, Hughes said the biggest supporterswere the World War II veterans.

“It’s just a good feeling to have the public behind you,” saidJames Swager, who served overseas in the Army during WWII.