Row upon row of flags stood sentinel as the backdrop of Monday’s Memorial Day service in Pembroke this week. Presented by the American Legion Post 164 and the City of Pembroke, the event honored those who gave all in service to their country.

In his invocation, American Legion Chaplain David Cone thanked his comrades who had laid down their lives in service to this country.

Pastor Jim Sullivan addressed the crowd and spoke of his father who served in World War II. Though his father never spoke of the war, Sullivan said he had kept a journal in which he wrote of the carnage he witnessed: “War is terrible in any way you look at it,” he said.

“We are able to be here this morning,” Sullivan said, “because these people did something special for us … We owe a debt of gratitude that none of us can repay for the people that we remember here today.”

There was also a special recognition for two individuals who are largely responsible for the now iconic flag memorial that graces the green space downtown along the railroad, displayed for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Veterans Day.

Robert and Virginia Quattlebaum have seen to the creation and care of the flag memorials for many years. They are the last two living members of the original flag committee.

The service was concluded with a moment of silence and the playing of taps by Audie Powell.