NEWTON, Miss. (WTOK) – Friends, family, and comrades braved stormy conditions this morning, for the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

While the crowd wasn’t large, the message was clear.

All gave some, some gave all, and today is the day to recognize those who have done just that.

“We didn’t have a large crowd compared to previous years. We anticipated that, but those who showed up, we wanted to make sure that we did what we could to honor America’s best. You know, when you talk about the weather and how it can affect people getting out, we understand that, but at the Mississippi VA, we also understand those folks that made the ultimate sacrifice didn’t have the luxury of sunny days every day,” said Ray Coleman with Mississippi Veterans Affairs.

“They did what they had to do, gave up their lives in the name of freedom, and so on Memorial Day, we honor that. No matter the weather, rain, sleet, hail, we’re going to be here to make sure that those family members and the fallen understand that we respect them, we honor them, and we appreciate what they did for our great nation.”

Over 12 hundred American heroes rest in the cemetery, each one of them remembered today by family, comrades, and those who came to show their respect.

“I think it’s important for us to remember that this day is not a day of recreation, but a day of somber reflection where we come together and remember that our freedoms are not free. I’m proud to be an American, and it’s been great to celebrate with everyone here today in Newton,” said Justice Jenifer Branning with the Mississippi Supreme Court.

“While you are barbecuing and grilling and while you are hanging out with one another, remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Remember those family members who lost their loved ones. This holiday is a solemn one for them. So while you’re celebrating, take a moment, as Justice Branning said, to slow down and honor those who made that ultimate sacrifice, and remember their families. You might know some personally, believe it or not, that lives in your community. Remember to honor them as well on this very special day,” said Coleman.

• Mississippi State softball defeated Oklahoma to advance to the Women’s College World Series for the first time.
• The Bulldogs beat the Sooners 6-0 in the final game of the best-of-three super regional series.
• Coach Samantha Ricketts encouraged the team to embrace their underdog status and play freely.

Mississippi State softball’s NCAA Tournament super regional against Oklahoma was a David vs. Goliath scenario.

The Bulldogs were on the hunt for their first Women’s College World Series appearance. The No. 3 Sooners were looking for their 10th straight.

Few expected Mississippi State (43-19) to even win a game in the best-of-three series, let alone eliminate Oklahoma (52-10) from the tournament on its home field.

But that’s exactly what happened when the Bulldogs beat the Sooners 6-0 in Game 3 at Love’s Field on May 24, advancing to the WCWS for the first time.

They’ll face No. 11 seed Texas Tech (57-7) on May 28 (11 a.m. CT, ESPN) at Devon Park in Oklahoma City in the first round of the double-elimination tournament.

“An underdog is still a frickin dog,” pitcher Delainey Everett said in a TV interview after pitching a three-hit shutout. “We knew it. We were on the bus. Oh my gosh. Everything that we worked for came through today and we ain’t done yet.”