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Fort Mill Township holds Memorial Day ceremony honoring local service members
Summary
Town leaders, veterans and community volunteers gathered at Unity Cemetery in Fort Mill Township for a Memorial Day ceremony featuring readings of the names of the fallen, remarks from Mayor Savage and American Legion commander Brandon VanSise, a wreath laying, a rifle volley and taps.
Fort Mill Township held a Memorial Day ceremony at Unity Cemetery on Saturday that drew town officials, veterans groups, scouts and residents to honor local service members who died in wartime. Mayor Savage opened the program, framed it as a non-political act of remembrance and led several recognitions of elected officials, first responders and civic partners.
The mayor said the day was intended "solely to recognize the people that died to give us our freedoms," and asked attendees to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who did not return home. The event included a color guard posting and retrieving the colors, an invocation from council member Chris Moody and the Pledge of Allegiance led by council member Alan Garrison.
Ava Pizzuto, a senior at Catawba Ridge High School, performed "The Star-Spangled Banner." Brandon VanSise, commander of American Legion Post 43 (Eli Bales Post No. 43), gave remarks that emphasized remembrance over organizational accomplishments and invited attendees to lunch at the post after the ceremony, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at 427 Bank Street. "It is about honoring their sacrifice, remembering their names, and recommitting ourselves," VanSise said.
The program included greetings from Strawberry Festival queens Annalise Miller and Michelle Stapleton and a musical selection. Organizers read names of service members submitted by the community who are buried in Unity Cemetery, including both historic veterans from World War I and II and more recent local losses such as TJ Dudley, a 2000 Fort Mill High School graduate who was killed in action in Afghanistan on July 7, 2011.
Mayor Savage called for a moment of silence for all who gave their lives. Members of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary laid a wreath while the post honor guard prepared to provide a rifle volley, and retired music teacher Mike Packard was scheduled to play "Taps." The mayor closed by urging attendees that the sacrifices honored at the ceremony "not be in vain" and thanking those present.
The program and ceremonial elements—readings, wreath laying, volley and taps—completed the event, and attendees were directed to the American Legion post for a community lunch following the ceremony.
