The Reason We are Here

 A speech presented at the 2025 Miss-Lou Memorial Day ceremony at the Natchez National Cemetery in Natchez, Mississippi

By Dr. Roscoe Barnes III

Cultural Heritage Tourism Manager at Visit Natchez

Click on image to enlarge. Photo by Albert L. Jones

Good Morning!

I am happy to be here today, and I'm proud to participate in this important event, which started in the late 1800s and is now one of the longest-running Memorial Day traditions in our nation. 

I want to note that when I came to Natchez four years ago, the first person to talk to me about this Memorial Day event was Mark LaFrancis, who was president of the Home with Heroes Foundation. Unfortunately, Mark died last year, and today he is resting in this sacred space. I thank him for his service to the military and to our community. He was a good man and his legacy lives on.

Today, I want to talk about the reason we are here, and it can be summed up in two words: We Care. We are here observing this day because WE CARE.

In the movie, "A Few Good Men," when Demi Moore's character is asked why she cares so much about the Marines on trial, she responds:

"Because they stand on a wall and say, 'Nothing's going to hurt you tonight, not on my watch.'"

Today, we're showing that we care. We care because our service members – our veterans who are now deceased, stood on a wall and they fought on a battlefield. We care because they left their homes and families to ensure our freedom. We care because of the commitment of these men and women who bravely and unselfishly served our country with dignity and honor.

Now, to be honest, there are many other reasons we care, but I want to focus on three of them.

First, WE CARE because they have shown us a "greater love."
In John 15:13 (NKJV), Christ said:

    "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends."

This verse clearly has implications related to Christ's death on the cross. But it also speaks to a general, fundamental truth about the ultimate act of love that can be seen in the sacrifices of our military service members.

Greater love is demonstrated when we unselfishly give our lives for others. This special love is shown when we give up our own privileges and lay down our lives for a cause that is much bigger than ourselves.

We observe Memorial Day because of this greater love shown by our military service members.

Second, WE CARE because they have given us hope.

Hope for a better community and hope for a better country. Hope for a bright future.
In spite of the horrors and debilitating wounds of war that we have faced as a community and as a nation, we've been able to stand up … pick up the pieces and snatch victory out of the jaws of defeat, and peace out of pain as we live out the true meaning of freedom. And that is no coincidence.

We have hope and a reason to believe because of the people we honor here today.

Third and finally, WE CARE because they have shown us that their service, and yes, their deaths, were not in vain. 

On one occasion, when Christ was speaking of his impending death, he said these words in John 12:24 (NLT):

    "I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives."

My friends, the sacrifice of our service members makes it possible for us to not only go on living, but their sacrifice makes it possible for us to grow and even thrive and prosper in so many areas of our lives. Because of them, we have dreams and opportunities. We can have children who grow up to understand and appreciate this great nation, its values, and the opportunities it allows. 

Conclusion

As I close, I want to mention an important request: As we mourn those who are deceased and reflect on their duty and dedication in our military, let us also remember their loved ones, their families, as well as their friends. Those who have lost family members in the military should know that their suffering is also acknowledged and it will not be forgotten.

Thank you.