The humid heat and threat of rain on Sunday, August 15 unfortunately made Greenfield Cemetery an unsuitable place to hold the Greenfield Cemetery and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 226 Community Memorial and Decoration Day Service. Instead St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church opened their doors and welcomed all into their beautiful golden-hued space so everyone could enjoy the 3pm dedication. As people arrived, the Salvation Army Band Listowel, led by conductor Ken Bailey, played pieces of music and set a pleasant tone. Greenfield Cemetery Chairman Annie Ariss and Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 226 President Ken Engleby, welcomed those gathered to the Decoration Day Service.?“Another year has come and gone,” Ariss said. She continued, “It is a treat to look around and see all who could come.”?The opening prayer with the line, “In the name of the one who calls us to be neighbours and friends,” was read by Ariss. Reverend Martin Dawson read the scripture including the phrase, “I do not die but shall live.” Reverend Gordon Walls gave the final prayer.?The importance of a strong inner core, a solid foundation was addressed by Reverend Jim Walton in his talk Christ the Solid Rock. Rev. Walton told the story of the “Cahaba” the tugboat which slammed into Rooster Bridge at Demopolis, Alabama on April 28, 1979. The river was flooded, the current over-powering and even the tugboat, with all its power, could not avoid a collision with the bridge. After impact, the boat shifted sideways, flipped upside down and slid under the bridge. The decks and pilot house were inundated with water which poured from every opening as the tugboat righted itself on the other side. Captain and crew were unharmed. The Cahaba’s engine was still running. Without aid of rescue the Cahaba regained standing and continued to navigate the river.?“What saved the Cahaba was how it was put together, how well made deep within,” Rev. Walton said.?He reflected on how well the churches in the Arthur area are made, how local Christians gave of their time, materials and finances in order to construct places of worship in respect and commendation of the power of God. The strength shown in the structure of the churches mirrors the strong inner foundation of the people themselves.?“Many of us are cruising down the river of life, how well we are made on the inside will determine what will happen when we reach the bridges of life” said Rev. Walton. He continued, “God has designed us to have the rock of salvation in our hearts, a trust in the word of God.”?During her remarks, Chairman Ariss noted the sad and sudden passing, last February, of Greenfield Board member and friend John Braby, he will be missed. Board members have worked hard in keeping the cemetery grounds trimmed and welcoming. The benches are scrubbed, the grass, trees and shrubs are tended to and a grove of memorial trees have been planted. Arthur Lions Club has placed shrubs at the chapel in memory of members who have passed away. ?Though the change in venue effectively shortened the Legion Parade, The Colour Guard represented the ceremony with a dignified march down the side aisle. Colour Guard members who were able to attend the service were: Legion President Ken Engleby, Sergeant-at-Arms Jim Dingman, Anita Coish, Joe Harris, Brian Dalley, Catherine Heffernan, Dianne Doyle, Dee Armstrong, Pete Rex and Rev. Gordon Walls. With quiet pride and reverence Pete Rex placed the wreath. During the Legion Honour Roll, Engleby noted the passing of veterans Sam Green and Jim Cooper. Service closed with Reveille played by bugler Glenn Scott.??The Greenfield Cemetery Board Chairman Annie Ariss, Secretary-Treasurer Peggy Dixon, Superintendent Mark Goetz and Trustees John Beer, Joyce Culp, Rod Kidnie, Al McEachern and Patricia Waters would like to thank those in attendance, the Salvation Army Band and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. ?