Wicomico County residents that gave their lives honored at Memorial Day Ceremony

SALISBURY, Md. – Wicomico County residents that gave their lives for the country were honored Monday at a Memorial Day Ceremony.

“Today it’s our way of saying to those men, 191 Wicomico County residents from World War I forward, thanking them for their service and even worse giving their lives in defense of our country,” said Anthony Sarbanes, Chairman of the Wicomico County War Memorial Committee and organizer of the event.

The Wicomico County Memorial Day Celebration was held Monday at the Wicomico War Veteran’s Memorial in front of the Wicomico Civic Center.

The ceremony was a chance to honor Wicomico County service members who died in the line of duty.

“We also try to honor those veterans who show up just to be here,” said Sarbanes. “The country owes veterans, military people a great deal of credit, and sometimes I don’t think they get the full credit that they deserve, so this is one event where we try to do that.”

In all, 191 names of fallen armed forces members from Wicomico County were read for the numerous veterans and spectators in attendance, ensuring their legacy and sacrifice lives on in the minds of those enjoying their freedoms.

“That’s what we’re here today to remember, those that did not come home, they’re the real heroes and those are the ones lying in graveyards throughout Europe and France and our country, they have made the supreme sacrifice, so we need to continue and realize that freedom is not free,” said Donald Coffin, retired Master Sergeant with the United States Marine Corps.

During the ceremony, there was a lowering of the colors by the Wicomico County JROTC and the ringing of the Red Knight’s Memorial Bell.

The event also included military branch prayers and a volley of arms by the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office.

“This ceremony allows us to come together out of respect and to appreciate those that have given the ultimate, ultimate sacrifice for our nation so that we can be here today and remember them and the commitment they made and that are still being made by those in active duty as we speak,” said Coffin.

The event was organized by members of the Wicomico County War Memorial Committee.