David R. Womack, commander of the American Legion Wayne M. Kidwell, Post 184 Herndon/Reston Photo by Mercia Hobson.
Sixty-six casket flags raised on towering flagpoles lined both sides of the cemetery's main road, erected by Post members and volunteers. They ascended over a small hill and dropped out of sight, providing a dramatic, patriotic backdrop to the observance. Families of service members who had died lent the flags on their loved ones' coffins so that they could be displayed along the Avenue of Flags.
David Womack, Post Commander, thanked everyone for taking time out of their Memorial Day to be at the cemetery in person to honor and remember those who have gone before them. "These service members are the people who make our lives possible as it is today," he said. Mayor Olem reiterated the point. Post Chaplin Donna Pence gave the invocation, saying, "Holy One, help us to remember that freedom is not free. There are times when its cost is indeed dear. Never let us forget those who paid so a terrible price. "
Herndon High School Navy JROTC and the South Lakes High School Army JROTC presented the colors, followed by the Reston Chorale singing the national anthem.
Womack said his mother taught him to say the names on tombstones aloud as he walks by." It helps us to remember; it reminds the Universe that we have not forgotten that man or that woman who sacrificed a portion of or the eternity of their lives in defense of freedom," he said.
Guest speaker Captain James O'Keefe of the U.S. Coast Guard finished his active duty career with over 7800 hours of military flight time, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, four Meritorious Service Medals, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and numerous other personal and unit awards. He said that Memorial Day means barbecues, sales at the car dealership, or a baseball game for many Americans. Maybe the neighborhood pool is open. It is the unofficial beginning of summer. "But for those who have served and those who support those who have served, you know it's something incredibly different," O'Keefe said. That is what we are commemorating today."
At the conclusion of the observance, Post Commander Womack thanked the Color Guard, BSA Troop 1570, and the Reston Chorale. He said, "Throughout the weekend, you have likely seen American Legion Post 184 members in front of local Giant Stores handing out poppies. This is to both remember the fallen and collect donations for our relief funds which we use throughout the year to assist veterans in need. Please consider donating."
Following tradition, many guests at the observance wore red poppies, the official flower of The American Legion Family. It is a nationally recognized symbol of sacrifice worn by Americans since World War I. With the observance ending, a man could be seen walking down the Avenue of Flags alone. He paused to stop at the name card below each casket flag. Affixed to his white shirt, he wore the red poppy that memorializes the soldiers who fought and died during World War I.
According to Legion.org, "After World War I, the poppy flourished in Europe. Scientists attributed the growth to soils in France and Belgium becoming enriched with lime from the rubble left by the war. The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed during battle."