Memorial Day Observance - 2024
It was a rainy Memorial Day Monday as we recognized those Garner service members who gave all. This year's ceremony was held at shelter 1 at Lake Benson Park.
This year's keynote speaker, Ed Tatum is a native of Elizabethtown, N.C., and served in The Old Guard, which is the official ceremonial unit of the U.S. Army. The Old Guard’s soldiers pay their highest respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Their mission is to oversee memorial affairs and ceremonies to honor fallen comrades. Tatum was a Sentinel, one of the men who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for two years. The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day regardless of the weather. The soldiers are not allowed to speak or smile while tracing the 21-step path at the tomb.
During his time with The Old Guard, Tatum attended the inauguration ball of Richard Nixon and the 80th birthday party for Gen. Omar Bradley. Bob Hope was the guest host that night. Tatum also was a casket bearer for Col. William Nolde, who was the last man killed in Vietnam before the truce was
signed. He also attended Lyndon Johnson’s funeral and a ceremony for Gen. William Westmoreland’s retirement. He and his wife Pam have two sons and a daughter.