Never forget!

People broke into song while the five U.S. military branches were being recognized at the Memorial Day observance ceremony Monday.

About 75 people attended the ceremony at the Community Building. It was sponsored by American Legion Post 29 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1674.

When the music for the Navy anthem suddenly stopped in mid-song, veterans and other attendees enthusiastically carried on the song by singing it without the music.

In another part of the ceremony, attendees abruptly stood as they sang a patriotic song.

In his welcome address, Mayor John Turner encouraged the continuing support of veterans.

"We must never stop fighting for our veterans," Turner said.

Guest speaker Tom Fogger, who retired from the U.S. Army, spoke on the history of Memorial Day and the commercialism of the holiday.

Fogger, who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, gave facts about the deaths and casualties in wars since the Revolutionary War.

"I am one of those casualties," he said.

In July 2007, his security convoy was attacked in southern Baghdad. His vehicle struck two roadside bombs. "Rather than being evacuated, Tom continued to fight and complete his mission," according to the ceremony pamphlet. Because of his injuries, he was medically retired.

Fogger said how recent and current wars have taken a back seat to families trying to survive.

He questioned whether Memorial Day had become nothing more than a time for a sale or to have a party. He had explained hearing about how it's a good time to buy vehicles and furniture "at fantastic prices."

"We need to take time to pause and reflect," Fogger said. He also said people need to make sure children understand the sacrifices veterans have made.

"We remember, and we honor them all," he said.

Since the Revolutionary War, men and women answered the call to duty, Fogger said. "Today our troops continue to make the ultimate sacrifice."

He said that Memorial Day "rose from the ashes of the Civil War." It was formerly called Decoration Day.

In the North and the South, grieving families began decorating the graves of soldiers.

The "birthplace" of Memorial Day was May 5, 1866, in Waterloo, N.Y., where Civil War veterans there were honored in a ceremony, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Businesses closed and residents flew flags at half-staff.

Fogger, a native of Wichita Falls, Texas, is a field examiner for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

In 2000, he enlisted in the Army as a military policeman, and after reaching the rank of sergeant, he was accepted as a special agent with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command. He reached the rank of chief warrant officer two before he retired.

"At the time of his retirement he was the most highly decorated special agent on active duty," according to the ceremony pamphlet.

His awards include the Bronze Star Medal; Purple Heart; Army Commendation Medal, four awards; Army Achievement Medal, four awards; National Defense Service Medal, two awards; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Good Conduct Medal; and the Combat Action Badge.

He and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for 18 years, and they have six children.