7th Annual Memorial Day vigil held in Gainesville

GAINESVILLE - Gainesville citizens gathered to remember those who did not come back home at Memorial Park Cemetery in Gainesville at the Veterans Memorial Garden at noon Monday during the 7th Annual Memorial Day Vigil.

There were several who came, those adults who remember and youngsters who are learning to remember, and they heard Taps, that mournful soldier's lullaby, coming down through time 150 years to mark this day, Memorial Day, played by Hall County Sheriff's buglers.

In the area designated for burial of military and law enforcement members, Mark Tiffany from Hall County said he and his wife were there for friends who served.

"We recognize the sacrifice," he said. "I've got friends and family previously serving; we're showing our respects today."

Tiffany said he has a son overseas in Afghanistan who he hopes will be home for Christmas.

They knew this day was not just a holiday with cook-outs and the beach, they know empty seats at the family table represent a filled and honored grave as Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch said in his remarks.

An honor guard vigil by Gainesville Police, Hall Sheriff's deputies and Army National Guardsmen that began at midnight Sunday would continue until midnight Monday.

Police Honor Guard Kelly Olson said he thinks about friends who did not come back home when he stands guard on Memorial Day.

"That's what I think about, and I try not to worry about the heat," Olson said. "It's a short period of time and a small price to pay for the meaning it has while we're up there."

Olson, a former military member, is now a corporal with the Gainesville Police and a volunteer honor guard. The guard vigil and the changing of the guard is patterned exactly after the procedure used by the honor guards at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington Cemetery in Washington.

The buglers played another selection familiar to all those present at the conclusion of the noon day ceremony. They played Amazing Grace.