After everything these soldiers have faced, they weren't going to let a little rain keep them from paying tribute to the Hall County service members who have given the ultimate sacrifice in battle.
The Rock Creek Vietnam Veterans of Gainesville made sure there were tents set up to protect those attending Sunday afternoon's Memorial Day ceremony from the rainy weather, but it turned out the precipitation ended just before the 2 p.m. event began.
Vietnam veteran Johnny Hulsey, one of the organizers of the annual ceremony, pointed out that the flags in Rock Creek Veterans Park had been lowered to half staff.
"The reason for that is that greater love has no man than this than to lay down his life for his country and his fellow soldier," Hulsey said. Then, the veterans took turns placing roses at the Korean and Vietnam Veteran War Memorials - one rose for each service member who perished in those two conflicts.
In addition to remembering service members who died in those wars, the group honored Hall County veterans who had died in the past year.
Dr. Tom Smiley, the senior pastor of Lakewood Baptist Church in Gainesville, was the keynote speaker for the 2018 Memorial Day service.
"Let's honor them not only with our words and flags and flowers, but let's honor them with our actions and our dedication as we strive to keep America strong," Smiley said.
More than 100 people attended the 2018 ceremony in Gainesville Sunday afternoon.
