News Summary
The annual Memorial Day ceremony in Oxford, Mississippi, was held at the National Guard Armory, honoring those who sacrificed their lives for the country. The event featured a color guard, personal tributes, and a special ‘Ringing of the Bell’ ceremony to commemorate fallen service members from the Army, Navy, and Marines. Community members shared heartfelt stories, showcasing a collective remembrance and respect. The ceremony concluded with ‘Taps’ and a wreath laying, emphasizing the significance of honoring military sacrifices.
Oxford, Mississippi held its annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025, at the National Guard Armory, honoring the brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The ceremony began promptly at 11 a.m. and served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel across the United States.
Retired Major Harold Brummett served as the Master of Ceremonies, guiding attendees through the solemn event. The ceremony commenced with the Oxford Police Honor Guard performing the posting of colors, setting a tone of reverence and respect. The invocation and benediction were delivered by Reverend James Petermann, adding a spiritual element to the proceedings.
Melanie Manuel Beard captivated the audience with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem, inspiring a feeling of pride among those present. Attendees were then invited to participate in a personal tribute to fallen service members, sharing the names, branches of service, and cherished memories of their loved ones. This moment fostered a sense of community and shared remembrance, as participants recalled heartfelt stories of bravery and sacrifice.
A significant feature of the ceremony was the “Ringing of the Bell,” which involved one representative from each military branch. Chris Berry rang the bell in remembrance of U.S. Army personnel, followed by David Bella who honored U.S. Navy personnel, and Sam Phillips who paid tribute to U.S. Marines. This act served as a solemn reminder of the lives lost in the line of duty.
The ceremony concluded with “Taps,” played by Sam Phillips of the Marine Corps League Detachment 1431, evoking deep emotions among attendees as they reflected on the service and sacrifices made by their loved ones. The color guard then retired the colors, marking the end of the ceremony.
After the event, a wreath was placed on the north side of the Lafayette County Courthouse, a donation from Bette’s Flowers, further commemorating those who served and sacrificed for their country.
This annual Memorial Day event was sponsored by the Mississippi Army National Guard and organized by various local veterans’ organizations, including the American Legion, Marine Corps League, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans. These organizations have long played a crucial role in bringing the community together to honor and remember those who have served in the armed forces.
Memorial Day ceremonies, such as the one held in Oxford, serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families. They allow communities to come together in respect and remembrance, reaffirming the values of patriotism, honor, and gratitude.
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Additional Resources
- Oxford Eagle: A Solemn Salute – Memorial Day Observed
- Evesun: Don’t Miss the Oxford Memorial Day Parade
- The Daily Star: Oxford to Hold Memorial Day Parade
- Google Search: Memorial Day Ceremony
- Wikipedia: Memorial Day
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
