A rose of gratitude and remembrance this Memorial Day weekend. Since the U.S. Revolution, an estimated 1.1 million Americans have died serving our nation in war. Monday is the day we pay our respects and express our thankfulness for those sacrifices, without which our nation could not endure in freedom. There is sometimes confusion over the observances held for our military. Here’s one way to look at them: Armed Forces Day (held on May 21 this year) honors those who wear our nation’s uniforms. Veterans Day (Nov. 11) honors those who once wore the uniform. Memorial Day – which has origins in Columbus – honors those who never took that uniform off. It is, then, the most somber of our national holidays, so let’s be sure we take some time to remember those who have laid down their lives for our nation.
A thorn to the vandals who defaced a small church in rural Lowndes County sometime late Sunday evening or Monday morning. A church deacon discovered Mt. Avery M.B. Church on Nashville Ferry Road had been spray-painted with messages protesting the anticipated overturning of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court. It came as a shock to the tiny congregation, which has no more than a handful of congregants, especially since there have been no sermons on the subject the vandals were protesting. The little church is wondering how to clean up the mess and, perhaps more importantly, whether they can afford the costs.
A rose to Main Street Columbus, Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce and corporate sponsors for providing a free summer concert series. “Sounds of Summer” returns for its 14th year on Thursday and will again be staged at the Columbus Soccer Complex after moving from its original venue at the Columbus Riverwalk. Concert goers are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets, but should leave their pets and coolers at home. Food and drink vendors will be on hand for refreshments. The first of the three Thursday evening concerts will be held today featuring the popular local band “The Bouncing Betty.” The other concerts will be held on June 16 and June 30. Each concert runs from 6-8 p.m. The concerts are a fun, family-friendly opportunity for citizens to get together and enjoy high-quality music. We’ll see ya there!
