Hundreds Attend Memorial Day Observances

Tuesday, May 29th 2007, 6:58 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- For many Oklahomans, Memorial Day was a day of cookouts and an extra day off from work. But for the more than 400 braving drizzle for the Memorial Day ceremony at the 45th Infantry Division Museum, it was about honoring the sacrifice others have made for the country.

Major General Larita Aragon told those at Monday's ceremony that the importance of Memorial Day can never be overstated.

Aragon said she and others were there to respect the memory of those committed to being part of something larger than themselves.

In Lawton, onlookers huddled under umbrellas at the Fort Sill National Cemetery as Tinker Air Force Base commander -- Colonel Mark Correl -- reminded them about the sacrifices those who died Iraq have made. Fifty-eight have come from Oklahoma.

Correl said they knew they might die, but he said they also dreamed of coming back home.

In Fort Gibson, Muskogee resident Ronnie Jamerson and his family placed flowers at the grave of William Riley, his father.

Jamerson says his dad not only served to save lives during World War Two, but also served as a role model for dozens of students he taught after coming home.