A Soldier's Memorial Day
By: Ben Manning
Updated: May 29, 2010
WILLIAMSBURG, BLAIR COUNTY - People tend to think of Memorial Day as a day off from work or time to spend with family and friends. But the day means much more to service men and women and their families. Sergeant Jim Buchanan has served in the National Guard for 31 years in several different countries. And as he got older Memorial Day has changed for him. He says young it was about going to the park, but now it’s a remembrance of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Buchanan was just promoted to Sergeant Major in the National Guard. He's with the 56th Stryker Brigade. Memorial Day is even more important to him this year. He lost one of his own last year. Specialist Chad Edmundson of Williamsburg was killed by a roadside bomb on May 26th 2009. He says Chad has a special place in all the Stryker’s hearts. He's been thinking a lot about Chad and all the other soldiers who died serving their country. He says they gave their life defending the freedom of the constitution and that’s what Memorial Day means to him.
Members of the Stryker Brigade have been working with community leaders in Williamsburg for a special remembrance event this weekend for Chad Edmundson.
Buchanan wants kids to still enjoy visiting parks, flying flags, and spending the day with their family. But he wants teenagers and adults to do more than that. He wants them to remember the soldiers who died and pray for those who are still serving.
The Remembrance Day is Saturday in Williamsburg. It starts off with a motorcycle ride to where specialist Chad Edmundson is buried. People with flags will line the streets. The groups will also raise money for military families in Chad’s name.
Buchanan was just promoted to Sergeant Major in the National Guard. He's with the 56th Stryker Brigade. Memorial Day is even more important to him this year. He lost one of his own last year. Specialist Chad Edmundson of Williamsburg was killed by a roadside bomb on May 26th 2009. He says Chad has a special place in all the Stryker’s hearts. He's been thinking a lot about Chad and all the other soldiers who died serving their country. He says they gave their life defending the freedom of the constitution and that’s what Memorial Day means to him.
Members of the Stryker Brigade have been working with community leaders in Williamsburg for a special remembrance event this weekend for Chad Edmundson.
Buchanan wants kids to still enjoy visiting parks, flying flags, and spending the day with their family. But he wants teenagers and adults to do more than that. He wants them to remember the soldiers who died and pray for those who are still serving.
The Remembrance Day is Saturday in Williamsburg. It starts off with a motorcycle ride to where specialist Chad Edmundson is buried. People with flags will line the streets. The groups will also raise money for military families in Chad’s name.
