Memorial Day is always a different type of “holiday,” one where the call is to remember those members of the U.S. military who gave their lives for their country. The services in Peachtree City and Fayetteville on Monday exemplified that call.
The three fallen soldiers honored at the Peachtree City ceremony included Sgt. First Class Shawn McCloskey, a Green Beret, Marine Lance Corporal Josh Isaac and Staff Sgt. David Roten, Jr.
At right, Peachtree City pauses for Memorial Day – The observance of Memorial Day in Peachtree City was highlighted by the tributes paid to three fallen soldiers who called Peachtree City home. They included Sgt. First Class Shawn McCloskey, Marine Lance Corporal Josh Isaac and Staff Sgt. David Roten, Jr. At the podium is City Councilman and Vietnam veteran Mike King. Photo/Ben Nelms.
McCloskey moved to Peachtree City with his family in 1993. He remained in Peachtree City, started his own family and had two small children. He enlisted in the Army after the World Trade Center towers were hit. A U.S. Army Special Forces member, he was the recipient of numerous awards and decorations.
Shawn McCloskey died of wounds suffered in Afghanistan in September 2009.
Isaac grew up in Peachtree City and, in his youth, was a member of the Peachtree City Fire Department Explorer Post and later served as a firefighter.
Wanting to work in federal law enforcement, Isaac joined the Marines to become an M.P. and pursue a degree in criminal justice.
Josh Isaac was critically injured during a swimming exercise at Parris Island during basic training. He later succumbed to those injuries.
Roden in his younger years moved with his family to Peachtree City. He enlisted in the Army and became a Special Forces Weapons Sergeant.
Roten served tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, earning awards and decorations for his service. David Roten was killed in action in Afghanistan in November 2014.
Though the entire service dealt with the three fallen soldiers, Councilman Mike King at the end noted the significance of the family to all soldiers.
“If (those fallen) could speak, they would say their heroes are their loved ones,” King said.
More than 300 people attended the Peachtree City ceremonies.
Memorial Day services were held later in the morning in the city cemetery in Fayetteville, hosted by American Legion Post 105.
Speaking before a crowd of nearly 200 were state Sen. Marty Harbin (Dist. 16) and retired U.S. Army Major Gen. Robert Griffin (Ret.) and Mayor Greg Clifton.
As is often the case on Memorial Day, Clifton, Griffin and Harbin in their comments included quotes from President Abraham Lincoln and President Ronald Reagan.
“The nation that honors its people, its fallen heroes and its dead will endure,” Griffin said in his brief comments.
After noting the various wars in which the United States has been involved, Griffin said, “It’s like war is the necessity and peace is the exception.”
Harbin during his remarks spoke about honor and the soldier’s call to serve, to be part of something larger than themselves in responding to the nation’s cause.
The colors at the Fayette County remembrance were presented by the members of the Civil Air Patrol at Falcon Field.
Below, solemn honors at Fayetteville Memorial Day ceremony — Memorial Day in Fayetteville was observed at the city cemetery and included remarks by U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robert Griffin (Ret.), Mayor Greg Clifton and state Sen. Marty Harbin. Photo/Ben Nelms.
