Memorial Day is a time to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Last week in Montross, there was an annual gathering to remember the fallen from each of the counties of the Northern Neck.

There were worries that it would be a rain-drenched service, but fortunately the weather abated before 11 a.m., when the memorial service started. Joey King, the mayor of Montross, got the ball rolling with a greeting to everyone present.

“On behalf of the Town of Montross, the seat of historic Westmoreland County, I bring a message from both our Town Council and Board of Supervisors about how much we appreciate everyone being here this morning to participate in this important event.

“We also thank the American Legion for holding it here, and we thank those behind the scenes who laid out the flags, set up everything, and prepared for this great morning as we talk about our fallen heroes.

“It’s incumbent upon us as citizens to show our appreciation to members of our armed forces who have retired and those who currently serve. From a grateful community, we appreciate everything that you do, and please know that your community is behind you. Thank you all.”

From there, the Missing Man table ceremony was conducted by Larry and Margaret Greene. A ceremony revolving around a white clothed table set for one, it brings attention to those missing in action from wars— all 85,086 of them—ranging from World War I onward, whether they were captured or otherwise vanished.

“Let us never forget these men,” Mr. Greene commented after the names of those missing from Virginia were read out. “And let us hope we bring them home and repatriate them.”

Then, the names of the fallen from the Neck were read, starting with Westmoreland County’s dead, courtesy of the legendary storyteller Daisy Howard Douglas. Following her reading came Delegate Hillary Pugh Kent reading for King George, then Richmond County Supervisor David Parr for his county. Lance Marston, a Marine from American Legion Post 117, read the names of the fallen from Northumberland County, and Barbara Jean Jones closed things out by reading the names of the fallen from Lancaster.

Once the names were read, Taps rang out across the old courthouse square. Mrs. Jones closed things out with a solemn prayer, and at noon, the flag was raised from its half staff position to the top.

Amid all the barbecues, excitement for summer, and the thrill of a long weekend, it can sometimes be a bit too easy to forget why we are able to do all the things we can.