The Exeter American Legion Post 218 presented their annual Memorial Day program on Monday at 10:00 a.m.
After the presentation of the flags by the Legion members assisted by Army National Guard Members Jason and Lacey Hood (granddaughter and her husband of Terry and Elaine Salyer of Exeter) Bob Dumpert, master of ceremonies presided.
The Exeter-Milligan Band played the Star Spangled Banner as all stood and then the invocation was given by Rev. Tim Adams. Adams prayed that our leaders would have both "sound judgement and right motives. . .bring peace so that we may no longer add names to this memorial list."
Exeter-Milligan senior class President Charlotte Andreasen read the Gettysburg Address followed by Travis Yound reading In Flanders Field.
The band played the Salute to America's Finest before Tim Wilbeck gave his address. Wilbeck told stories of heroes from several different wars. He spoke of the nearly one million who have died in war since 1775 "they cannot be replaced. When asked how a nation left in their debt should remember them? They would answer, take care of my family."
Wilbeck reminded the crowd of Dr. Martin Luther King's words while imprisoned, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
In closing, Wilbeck encouraged the crowd ,"Let us always remember."
After the salute to the dead, Blake Papik played taps and there was also a taps echo played. Later in the morning the National Guard was scheduled to flyover the cemetary.
The American Legion Auxiliary welcomed the large crowd to the Legion home for rolls and coffee.
