Students honor fallen with living tribute at Florence American Cemetery
Florence American Cemetery Superintendent Eryth Zecher told the story of Pvt. Milton Arthur Scott Oct. 2 during her remarks for the Be the Difference – Never Again living tribute at the cemetery. Scott, a husband and father of twin boys, swimming instructor, college graduate, and life-saving blood donor for his wife, is just one of the service members buried at the site and remembered during the event.
Approximately 100 students were provided information prior to the event on service members buried at Florence American Cemetery so they could learn more about stories such as Scott’s. Upon arrival at the cemetery, each student and other participants stood next to the graves of the service members whose stories they researched. Members of the public and other local associations also participated in the event.
According to Be the Difference – Never Again, the event was to offer the students an opportunity to reflect on the lives of the service members who were often the same age as the students at the time of their service. Students from Lipscomb University, Harding University and Syracuse University participated in the event.
“Private Milton Arthur Scott is but one of the 5,800 honored at Florence American Cemetery, each with a story to be told, each with dreams of a future that would never be realized,” said Zecher during her remarks. “Each, a sacrifice to be remembered. We are here today, commemorating them, ensuring that their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and that, ‘time will not dim the glory of their deeds.’”
Remarks were also provided by Elizabeth Bettina, Be the Difference – Never Again co-founder, and Daniela A. Ballard, U.S. Consul General in Florence. Students also read three service members’ stories as part of the program.