BOYKINS
Beechwood Cemetery in Boykins was again the site of the annual Memorial Day service, albeit that it was scheduled a week earlier than the traditional observance on Monday.

Guest speaker for the occasion was James Young, pastor of Berean Baptist Church in town. During his remarks, Young praised the dedication and willingness of soldiers to serve — and die, if necessary — in service to the United States.

“God help us to love and cherish our American soldiers. I personally stand in awe of their great sacrifices. I stand in awe of their bravery. I am so thankful for their great sacrifices and in my heart they will never be forgotten,” he said.

Young made references to the various branches of military in the country, and listed their mottos. He also quoted President George Washington, who said: “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”

Boykins Mayor Spier Edwards read a final roll call of names of people who had died since last year’s Memorial Day service. These people are buried in Beechwood Cemetery: Robert Thomas Andrews, Bernice Edwards Jones, Frank Ellis Lee, Steven Dale Lee, Helen Newsome Nurney, Sarah Whitaker Pulley, Wayne Gray Rock, Lillie Mae Price Turner, Reuben Earl “R.E.” Vick and Joseph George Weiss.

“I say, come here to remember what others have been and what they have done. Leave here, and make our contributions for the benefit of those who will come after us,” Edwards said. “May you find a quiet moment on this Memorial Day to reflect on our many blessings, freedom, family, friendship, liberty and love, and remember those who sacrificed their lives for the peace and security for all.”

In recognition of the sesquicentennial of the ending of the Civil War, he also read the names of the following Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery:

• F.M. Beaton – 41st Va. Infantry

• William MJ. Beaton – 3rd Va. Infantry

• Everett E. Griffin – 41st Va. Infantry

• David Kindred – 3rd Va. Infantry

• Alexander Knight – 3rd Va. Infantry

• Everett Pond – 3rd Va. Infantry

• Littleton Green Powell – 13th Va. Calvary

• Zachariah T. Smith – 15th N.C. Calvary

• William K. Stephenson – 32nd N.C. Infantry

• B.L. Stevens – 3rd Va. Infantry

• James L.H. Stevens – 3rd Va. Infantry (no stone)

• John Calvin Sykes – 3rd Va. Infantry

• Dr. Joseph H.M. Sykes – 3rd Va. Infantry

• John Waller – 3rd Va. Infantry (no stone)

• Jordan Brown Weston – 3rd N.C. Light Infantry

• Nathaniel Eldridge Williams – 3rd Va. Infantry

A reception took place in the cemetery grounds following the service. Guests were also invited to visit the new mini-museum in town.