American Legion Post 258 honors those who gave all

Local residents joined with the American Legion Post 258 on Monday to honor those who gave all during a Memorial Day program held at Veterans Plaza in downtown Atlanta.

This year marks the 29th anniversary of the memorial plaza, which was completed with the help of civil and private donations. The plaza was constructed to give honor to past and present service members, especially those who died in service to their country.

“We dedicate this memorial to those men and women who served with honor and did their duty, always faithful to the United States of America,” said Tony Ciomperlic, American Legion Post 258 chaplain.

He went on the mention the war in the middle east which started Aug. 30, 1990 and ended Aug. 30, 2021. “More than 3 million service people have fought in these wars, with 7,057 casualties.”

“We honor not only those killed in action, but also those suffering physically and mentally,” Ciomperlic said.

At it’s beginning, Memorial Day was “Decoration Day” and started after the Civil War. It began in New York and was a time where the graves of fallen soldiers were decorated with flowers.

After World War I, May 30 was set aside to honor veterans from all wars. Memorial Day was held on May 30 each year up until 1971 when it was changed to the last Monday in May.

“Memorial Day is a sacred day to all veterans who have served their country in military service,” Ciomperlic said. “We honor the memory of those who have given their lives to preserve the freedoms we have today.”

“May 25, 2026 is a national holiday,” he said. “Let us not forget that freedom is not free.”

Post Commander Mike Steward took the podium and led guests in prayer for those who gave their lives and the families who have suffered a loss.

The American Legion Post 258 members took a moment to salute the POW/MIA chair, an empty chair present at the American Legion gatherings to pay tribute to American POW/ MIAs who remain unaccounted for from all wars and conflicts involving the United States.

During the event, the American Legion Post 258 flag detail retired the current American flag flying at the plaza, replacing it with a new flag donated by Gary Richardson. The retired flag was dedicated to Post 258. The new flag was raised in honor of the late Mike Lee, an American Legion Post 258 member, who was a part of starting the memorial, but did not live long enough to see it completed.

In speaking to guests, Steward said, “You have shown by your presence here this morning that you, too, understand that Memorial Day is not a day of beer and burgers, but a day of remembrance and gratitude.”

“We are here today to honor the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom that we enjoy today,” he said. “The word freedom is a misnomer because freedom is not free. Freedom comes through pain, suffering, blood and loss. Those who paid the price for us should not be forgotten.”

“Today, we have two priorities. One is to remember and the other is to dedicate this monument to those who lost their lives in the Gulf Wars, starting with 9-11 to the fall of Afghanistan,” Steward said. “And two, the two Legion members who made this monument possible. This was a dream of William Mike Lee and Gary Richardson.”

“Unfortunately, Mike Lee passed away and was unable to see this monument completed,” he said. “And that’s when Gary Richardson stepped in to complete this project.”

He said the American Legion Post 258 raised about $40,000 through donations and fundraisers to complete the task.

“How could we not be lifted by the breathtaking sacrifices that veterans have made and continue to make on our behalf,” Steward said. “We do not forget. We are here for the 2,341 American service members who lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor 85 years ago. We are here for the 3,100 combat deaths and thousands more who succumbed to the elements of Korea, frozen Chosin Reservoir.”

“We are here for the men and women who continue to lose their lives during operations in the Middle East. From Bunker Hill to Baghdad, Americans from communities throughout the United States have answered their nation’s call and made and paid the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.

“From those who absorbed the blast of grenade saving their friends to those who died rescuing crew members from a sinking ship, we take this day to reflect on ordinary citizens exhibiting extraordinary valor.”

To honor the legacy of the fallen, Steward said everyone should commit to the freedom offered “by the greatest nation on earth. A land where patriotism eclipses politics, where the American flag is displayed proudly and frequently, and where military veterans are society’s true celebrities.”

“We must never forget the families of the fallen, long after the battlefield guns and been silenced and the bombs stop exploding. The children of our fallen warriors will still be missing a parent. Spouses will be without life partners,” he continued. “Parents will continue to grieve their sons and daughters that died way too early. We need to be present for them.”

He said no one can replace these fallen heroes in their lives, but everyone, as citizens can at least offer a shoulder to cry on and offer reassurance that the sacrifice their loved one made will never be forgotten.

“Honoring those who didn’t make it back is the true meaning of Memorial Day,” Steward said.

“A sure way to honor our fallen is to live in a way worthy of their sacrifice.”