With the mournful sounds of TAPS filling downtown, the citizens of DeKalb County paused Monday morning to remember those who gave all.
“Why does somebody jump on a grenade?” asked keynote speaker Ben Franklin during the Memorial Day program sponsored by American Legion Post 122, the veteran paraphrasing the scripture in the Bible which says that there is no greater love than a man who will lay down his life for his brother. “A lot of time it’s just common ol’ fella’s that does this.”

Franklin also pointed to the Alamo where many laid down their lives for the idea of liberty. “They knew they were probably going to die,” Franklin said of those defending the Alamo against Mexican attack, asking why ordinary people would do extraordinary things. "The only answer I can come up with is freedom."

Franklin's comments came during the pair of events held to mark Memorial Day in Smithville Monday morning.

First, a gathering was held at the county complex where the colors were presented by Boy Scout Troop 347 and the anthem was sung by Erica Birmingham. Patriotic music was played by Mary Lynn Page. After prayer by Larry Green and Franklin's talk, the ceremonies were moved to the courthouse where a wreath was laid at the downtown memorial and a prayer was offered by Don Rigsby. TAPS was played by DeKalb County High School trumpet player, Josh Moon.

Highlights of both events may be viewed by going to www.smithvillereview.com and clicking the multimedia tab at the top of the page.