DeSoto County paused during a wet, rainy Memorial Day to remember fallen heroes during events held in the county.
Twin Oaks Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home in Southaven Monday revived a tradition of a Memorial Day service, originally planned for outside but moved inside due to the rain.
Funeral Director Traci Filson said the service had been held at Twin Oaks in past years but the COVID-19 pandemic stopped the practice until new owners returned it this year.
Misty Gossett, mother of fallen soldier Joshua Jones.
Monday’s service included words from Misty Gossett, the mother of Joshua Alan Jones, a soldier who died fighting Russian forces in the Ukraine.
Jones, of Memphis, volunteered to fight the Russians and had experience with the U.S. Army, winning six commendations. Jones was also a graduate of the Israeli Tactical Training Group, a member of the Ukraine GUR Intelligence Unit, a member of the Norman Brigade, and a member of the Ukraine International Legion.
He died in August 2022 and efforts to retrieve his body began shortly after that. Jones’ remains came back to the United States in February 2023.
Gossett paid tribute to her son, recounted how he was remembered by his comrades and the legacy of service and a fight for freedom he shared with others in the family. She made a call to honor the memory of fallen soldiers and to carry their legacy forward with gratitude.
“He is not just my son,” Gossett said. “He is a symbol of courage, compassion and unwavering belief in what is right. Memorial Day is so much more than barbecues and sales. It’s a day to remember and say their names, know their stories and, even for one moment, their sacrifice.”
The service ended with the flag presentation and the playing of Taps.
In Olive Branch, the 14th annual Memorial Day observance was held outside at Blocker Cemetery.
The service provided by the Knights of Columbus honored more than 200 veterans. The tribute will include the firing of a cannon and a helicopter flyover.
The following photos of the observance on the City of Olive Branch’s Facebook page.
The DeSoto County Veterans Park and Rolling Thunder MS Chapter 2 were also scheduled to hold a Memorial Day ceremony at the American Legion Post #134, 2520 Goodman Road, in Horn Lake at 1 p.m. Monday afternoon. The American Legion post served free hot dogs after the ceremony until 5 p.m.
