The small community of South Prairie made one thing clear Friday - residents have not forgotten who served the nation in the past, and they're not about to forget those still standing guard.

A good crowd gathered under threatening skies at the town's Veterans Memorial to participate in a ceremony that included &#8220Amazing Grace” on bagpipes; the national anthem, sung by Heidi Olsen; remarks by State Sen. Pam Roach; the singing of &#8220God Bless America” by Jessica Gilmore; and the playing of taps by White River High School student David Allen.

Also included was the reading of a letter by hometown favorite Chris Atherton, who is now out of the military and attending college in the Midwest. Atherton is a South Prairie native who was injured during the early stages of the invasion of Iraq. It was at his urging that South Prairie transformed its Veterans Memorial a year ago.

Atherton’s letter, read by his stepfather, asked that all continue supporting those who proudly serve their country.

Friday's event was sponsored by the South Prairie Cares Committee.