Things may be different if our veterans hadn't fought for our country, says Georgia Suber, President of American Legion Post & Auxiliary 219.

But because many fought and served in war, we are free to make choices that citizens in other countries can’t chose, she says.

“We can go where we want to, do what we want to, wear what we want to and do whatever we please,” says Suber. “If they hadn’t given their lives, we wouldn’t be free like we are today.”

In turn, two Newberry posts are honoring veterans with Sunday services for Memorial Day.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 219 will have its annual Memorial Day service at 3 p.m. Sunday in Memorial Park in downtown Newberry.

The speaker will be the highly decorated Air Force Officer and World War II veteran Bill McClary from Fort Jackson in Columbia.

All veterans and well wishers are welcome as Post 219 will honor deceased veterans in a memorial service with a symbolic table setting.

Former S.C. Comptroller General Jim Lander will explain the symbolism to the crowd.

There will also be patriotic music.

American Legion Post 24 and the Legion Auxiliary Unit 24 will conduct their annual Memorial Day Service on Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Legion Post Headquarters. The Post will read the name of every Newberry County veteran who has died during the past year. Retired Sergeant Major George R. Burk, Newberry public servant and humanitarian, will speak at the event and the Unit 24 Ladies Auxiliary will provide refreshments.

The public is invited. The Post is located off Highway 34 just past the Newberry Inn under the egg-shaped water tower.

Turn left on gravel road at the Post 24 Legion sign.