Memorial Day was celebrated in many ways across America May 31. It was celebrated with large parades and in quiet, somber moments.
In Jackson, the day was celebrated with a program that began at Peace Cemetery at 8:30 a.m.
“We gather, gracious God, to invoke your spirit to bless those who have gone before us in the service of country. We ask you to bless and comfort their families,” Rev. James Hill of New Hope United Church of Christ said during the invocation. “And now, Lord, be with us as celebrate this day and we remember.”
The National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance followed. Hill then read a passage from the Book of Isaiah in the Old Testament.
“Be glad and rejoice forever in all that I create. For I behold, I create a new generation and I will rejoice in that generation, and joy shall be in my people,” Hill said, reading from the passage.
He then offered a prayer for armed forces personnel who died in combat or years later from injuries sustained while in service and those who struggled years after fighting in wartime situations.
“For all of that loss, and for those who still struggle with post traumatic stress disorder, for those who still hurt, we honor this day and we pray for healing in their lives,” Hill said.
Prayers were also offered for those in service.
“Be with them, that they may never feel alone,” Hill said.
Boy Scouts present then recited the poem “In Flanders Fields.” Among the lines in the poem were the following: “We are the dead. Short days ago/We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow/Loved and we loved, and now we lie/In Flanders Fields.”
The American Legion S/Sgt. Henry F. Gumm Post 486 Women’s Auxiliary then recited “The Immortal,” a poem by Gold Star Mother Helen Gumm.
Those in attendance then sang “God Bless America,” and Hill offered a blessing. 
“May we go forward and serve God — and make peace a reality,” he said.
A firing squad then performed a salute.  Brandon Gumm followed by performing “Taps” to conclude the program.
—By Thomas J. McKillen, Managing Editor