Broken Arrow, state of Oklahoma honors the fallen on Memorial Day

By John Dobberstein, Editor

Cities across Oklahoma and the United States today are honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend and protect the freedoms of citizens.

Today at 5 p.m. at Floral Haven Cemetery in Broken Arrow, members of the Indian Nations Council of the Boy Scouts of America will retire the Garrison Flag and the other flags surrounding the Veterans Field Of Honor with their own special ceremonies.

The Scouts will then retire all the Flags in the Floral Haven Avenue of Flags for another year. The public is cordially invited to attend this final ceremony of Memorial Day Weekend.

Gov. Kevin Stitt ordered all American and Oklahoman flags on state property to be lowered to half-staff from today in honor of the Memorial Day holiday.

"As we pray for our military heroes, we remember the thousands of Gold Star families in Oklahoma and across the nation who feel their loss daily," said Stitt. "Oklahoma pledges its endless respect and gratitude to our Gold Star families. May God continue to bless and protect our active service members and our veterans."

Oklahoma Sen. Nathan Dahm (R-Broken Arrow) said Memorial Day, “is the day we remember those who gave their last full measure of devotion. We’re thankful for all those who have honorably served in our military, yet today is set aside for those who gave their lives.

“The United States was founded in a War for Independence, costing the lives of many patriots. Since that time many Americans have donned the uniform of freedom,” Dahm said.

“We remember all those who wore the uniform that final time. Who gave their lives in service to us, in defense of the Constitution, and so that freedom could be preserved. To the family, friends, and loved ones, our thanks can never be enough. To those who gave their lives we are eternally grateful. We remember, we commemorate your service, we honor you today.”

“On this Memorial Day, we remember the fallen, honor their sacrifice, and are grateful to the brave men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms,” said U.S Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Tulsa). “God bless them, their families, and this country.”