MINT HILL, NC – On May 26, the team from Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center honored those lost in service to our country with an event at the Medical Center.
The event began with a welcome from Mint Hill Medical Center President Joy Greear and an invocation from Mint Hill Medical Center Chaplain Mark Rumsey. Marine Corp League Detachment #750 completed the Presentation of Colors, and Wes Watts (Mint Hill Medical Center) performed the National Anthem.
The event featured several guests who spoke on “The Meaning of Memorial Day,” including Corporal Curtis Washington (US Army-SSG, MHMC Public Safety Officer), Corporal William “Bill”Ginther (US Navy-MM#, MHMC Public Safety Officer), and retired Mint Hill Police Chief Tim Ledford (Mint Hill American Legion Post 555).
People commonly conflate Memorial Day and Veterans Day, but they are distinct holidays with different purposes. While both honor the sacrifices of those who have fought to preserve the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans, Memorial Day remembers those who gave their lives in service to our country while Veterans Day honors all who served in the US Armed Forces.
“We were intentional about Memorial Day being for those who were lost and gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms,” says Greear. “It’s different from Veteran’s Day, and that was the intentionality of each persons comments.”
Following these meaningful speeches, Pastor Jeff Andler (Arlington Baptist Church) performed “God Bless America,” and Ed Berti (Mint Hill American Legion Post 555) conducted the Placing of the Wreath. David Barrios, Jaylen Johnson Caldwell, and Neio Wingate (Rocky River High School) performed “Taps.” The event concludes with a benediction from Pastor Cliff McAtee (Arlington Baptist Church).
