Roswell Prepares For 2018 Memorial Day Ceremony (ICYMI)

ROSWELL, GA — The city of Roswell is gearing up for its annual Memorial Day ceremony, an event that will provide residents a chance to honor the men and women who've made the ultimate sacrifice while serving this country.

The Roswell Remembers Memorial Day ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. Monday, May 28 on the grounds of Roswell City Hall at 38 Hill Street.

Displays for the program will open up at 10 a.m. and pre-ceremony music will begin at 10:10 a.m. The 11 a.m. program includes the presentation of colors, singing the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, invocation, "Lest We Forget" POW/MIA remembrance, laying of the wreath and remarks from this year's keynote speaker, George Lingerfelt, a retired U.S. Army sergeant.

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Born in 1923, Lingerfelt entered the U.S. Army in December 1924 and was assigned to the 81st Wildcat Division as an infantryman machine gunner. Known as the oldest Division in the Army, the 81st was the first Division to be decorated with a shoulder patch, which depicted a fighting black wildcat.

Following maneuvers in Louisiana, the 81st was sent to the South Pacific to secure a group of islands including New Caledonia, New Guinea, Palau, and Angeur as part of a larger offensive campaign known as Operation Forager.

Following the securing of a B29 base, the 81st Division was sent back to New Caledonia for re-supplying the Division prior to leaving for the Philippines. Rising to the rank of #1 Gunner, Sgt. Lingefelt and the 81st Wildcat Division were deployed to clear the Philippine mountains of the Japanese. During these maneuvers, 80 percent of his Division contracted dysentery and Sgt. Lingefelt himself lost 60 pounds.

Machine Gun Sgt. Lingefelt’s 81st Wildcat Division was scheduled to join with the 77th Infantry Division to make the first beach landings invading Japan when World War II came to an end. Lingefelt’s current passion in retirement is serving as Scoutmaster Emeritus of Boy Scout Troop 465.

Roswell's event will also feature a benediction, 21-gun salute and playing of "Taps." The program will wrap up at 12:30 p.m., and residents are invited to stick around to enjoy a picnic on the grounds (or purchase barbecue on-site) and listen to live music provided by The Chuck Nation Band. Please note that due to the 21-gun salute, this event is not suitable for pets. Also, the city's ceremony will be held rain or shine, so bring your umbrellas if precipitation is in the forecast.

Roswell's event began in 1998 and currently attracts between 6,000 and 7,000 people each year. For more information, visit the event's website.

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