It was a weekend of remembrance in Bryan County as people on both ends of the county participated in ceremonies paying homage to military service members who have died defending the U.S.

Pembroke and Richmond Hill each held their annual Memorial Day observances, while Fort McAllister State Historic Park paid tribute with a Civil War re-enactment program and more.

On Saturday, more than 50 people turned out to honor the late James J. Marks and other veterans during Pembroke’s Memorial Day ceremony downtown, which was hosted by the American Legion Post 164 Ladies Auxiliary.

An American flag honoring Marks’ service in World War II and the Korean War was added to the field of flags that also honor other veterans of Pembroke who have died. Marks’ family was present as Boy Scout Troop 357 and Cub Scout Pack 141 assisted the Auxiliary with the program.

Meanwhile in the south end of the county, Fort McAllister held its annual Memorial Day program on Saturday.
Re-enactors dressed as Rebel and Union soldiers acted out battles with musket and cannon firings in demonstration of battles that took place on Fort McAllister during the Civil War. There were also educational talks and tours of the fort.

On Monday, residents and government and civic leaders gathered at the Veterans Monument in J.F. Gregory Park to observe Memorial Day.

Read more in the June 1 edition of the News.