Fuhrman told the large crowd gathered in Balaton for the town's annual Memorial Day service. "This speaks strongly to something greater than the rest of us. It is heard deeply throughout America.
Something that stills beats strong in towns like ours. Our gratitude, loyalty and respect for those that gave their lives for our country. It is a promise renewed each year that we remember the men and women that sacrificed everything so that we can live in freedom.”
Major Fuhrman told the crowd how important it is to share the stories of those who sacrificed for us. He spoke to the importance of every story that needed to be told and retold. He encouraged the younger ones in the crowd to ask about family members, neighbors and friends that have given the sacrifice.
He told the crowd to continue to say their names and tell their stories so the importance of their ultimate sacrifice is never forgotten.
Fuhrman spoke to what sacrifice really means.
“Behind every fallen service member is a story,” Fuhrman said. “A story full of hopes, talents and dreams. Their sacrifice is not abstract. It is deeply personal and it’s real. Those worlds changed forever with a knock at the door. In these stories, we find the true weight of sacrifice. Not in the numbers, not in the dates, but in the lives that were interrupted, promises broken by war, dreams that were cut short, families that were left to grieve.”
Fuhrman reminded the crowd that the defense of freedom is not carried out by strangers. It is carried out by family members, neighbors and friends. It is carried out by young men and women from small towns to big cities.
“Memorial Day is not only about reflection, Fuhrman. “It is about preservation. Perceiving the memories and the stories of those that gave it all.”
He challenged the crowd by asking who they knew that had a story and who they remembered that sacrificed everything. He encouraged all to tell their stories and share their courage.
Fuhrman told those gathered that sharing these stories is not just remembrance, but an action of national preservation.
“As the memories fade, unity dissolves,” Fuhrman said.
Major Fuhrman encouraged everyone to take this time to build unity.
“Memorial Day calls us back to something deeper,” he explained. “The men and women we honor today did not serve one political party. Nor did they serve one ideology. They served one nation. If they could speak to us now, perhaps they would remind us that America is strongest when America is together.”
He reminded all of those there that unity doesn’t mean uniformity. That people can disagree and still treat each other with respect.
“Memorial Day invites us to stand not as opposing sides, but as one people, grateful for freedom purchased at the greatest cost and sacrifice.”
Major Fuhrman spoke about the cost to the families left behind when a soldier gave the ultimate sacrifice. To spouses, parents, children and siblings who carry a burden far heavier than most can imagine, he recognized what they gave up for our freedoms as well.
“Let us be thankful and express our gratitude for the enduring value of freedom,” Fuhrman said. “Gratitude is more than a feeling. It is a choice everyday.”
He encouraged the crowd to live by the values of the military in honor of those that gave it all — duty, honor and country.
Master of the ceremony was Legion Commander Lew Roberts. The invocation and benediction was given by Pastor Lori VonHoltum.
The reading of “In Flanders Felds” was done by Cookie Cooreman and the response “We Shall Keep the Faith” was given by Caroline Dobberstein.
The program continued with a Lakeside Cemetery program including the roll call of the dead and the gun salute.
