Memorial Day services May 28 brought together a community of people to remember and honor the sacrifices of the military men and women who have served this country.Throughout Warren County, songs of patriotism and the sad playing of “Taps” were reminders of those who never came home from war.The Warrenton Elks Lodge was crowded Monday during its annual Memorial Day gathering of local veterans’ organizations. Speakers at the event reminded those in attendance of the sometimes harsh sacrifices of those who fight to defend the United States, and the ongoing struggles of veterans even after they return home.The featured speaker at the event was veteran Mike Burgess, a longtime organizer for a traveling memorial wall in the Wentzville area.Dana Pruitt sang the national anthem. Wreaths were laid by gold star family member Beth Vincent and auxiliary members of the Marine Corps League, VFW and American Legion. A 21-gun salute was followed by the playing of “Taps.”In the afternoon, a smaller group gathered at Wright City Cemetery for the annual ceremony there, surrounded by hundreds of American Flags waving in the breeze. Over 200 large flags were placed by a group of volunteers around the cemetery early that morning, along with even more flags placed at the graves of veterans.Musician Rich Helton played songs describing the life and memory of veterans who lost their lives in war.The featured speaker at the event was State Rep. Bryan Spencer, who delivered a message about the depth of what many veterans have given up for their country.“How do we measure the sacrifices?” Spencer asked. “We could start by counting the number of deaths in service to this country — somewhere around 1.1 million. We could count the number of fathers, brothers, husbands, mothers, sister or wives who never came home from a war zone.“We could count the number of Little League games a boy’s father will not be there for, or the number of walks a mother will not be able to go on with her daughter.“However, in reality such things are not quantifiable. ... Truly the sacrifices made by this nation’s heroes and their families are immeasurable.”

Members of the Warrenton Marine Corps League and Warrenton VFW Post conduct a 21-gun salute during a Memorial Day ceremony May 28 at the Elks Lodge in Warrenton. 

Record photo/Adam Rollins

Musician Rich Helton plays music and sings in memory of veterans on Memorial Day, May 29 at Wright City Cemetery. 

Record photo/Adam Rollins