Memorial Day at Linwood Cemetery: ‘We must never forget’

Terry Jackson drove to Columbus from Marietta, Ga., to attend the service celebrating the 150th anniversary of Memorial Day held Sunday at Linwood Cemetery.

“I wanted to be here because of Linwood’s significance. It should be remembered that Memorial Day began here,” the cartographer said.

Jackson was raised here and is a Baker High graduate. He said people went to “great lengths” to begin a day to remember those who died in war.

Jackson was one of about 40 attending the special occasion held just a few yards from the grave of Brigadier Gen. Henry Lewis Benning.

Speaking at the ceremony was Col. Andrew C. Hilmes, the garrison commander of the Manuever Center of Excellence at Fort Benning. He is a recipient of both a Bronze Star and Silver Star medal.

Hilmes said he was proud to speak of the place that is “ground zero for Memorial Day.”

He said that on social media some people are outraged that many go shopping or play games on such a solemn holiday, but he believes if those being remembered could be polled they would want Americans to be enjoying the freedoms for which they gave their lives.

But Hilmes said he would like to see more people participating in Memorial Day events such as decorating graves. He said people do not do enough.

“We must never forget. We need to continue to train the next generation to do something on Memorial Day,” he said.

The executive director of the Historic Linwood Foundation Jane Brady echoed those sentiments saying “nothing is ended until it is forgotten.”

Hilmer said he works with many of the local Gold Star Wives who had a loved one killed in battle.

“Some are angry and some are bitter. Most of all, they are proud,” he said.

This story was originally published May 29, 2016 at 9:29 PM with the headline "Memorial Day at Linwood Cemetery: ‘We must never forget’."