Snellville Remembers

The memorial in the veterans’ section at Eternal Hills Funeral Home posts these very appropriate words: "In honor of those who served. In tribute to those who perished. In gratitude to those now serving."

For this Memorial Day, Snellville city leaders and community groups remembered fallen service men and women buried at local cemeteries, including a tribute May 28 at Eternal Hills of Highway 78. American Legion Post 232 and Boy Scout Troop 50 were also there to help ensure that veterans in the community are not forgotten.

Flags were provided to volunteers to place on the graves of service men and women throughout the grounds. Making the walk with veterans in attendance usually results in history lessons steeped in the recognition of service to our country as well as the lives of those who are remembered as part of the Memorial Day service. 

The service begins with the pledge and then the retiring of the American flag that waved over U.S. Highway 78 for the past year. The bagpipe duet from Atholl Highlanders played reveille as the flag was retired with Troop 50’s Color Guard. "Amazing Grace" played as the new colors were unfurled to stand at half-staff for the day.

Volunteers followed the pipers into the cemetery to scout out graves for particular symbols and words that signify a veteran is buried there.

Snellville’s Mayor Jerry Oberholtzer, the father of three Eagle Scouts, pointed out that there were diverse ages of those with flags in their hands. The Memorial Day service “truly is a community event,” he said. 

“Having the young men and women learn about the sacrifices and service of our military through the remembrance and with the veterans who participate in the day is something that is very special," he added.