2019 Memorial Day Ceremony Held On Courthouse Lawn

The raising of the American Flag conducted by VFW and DAV members.

Moriah Peterson, story and photos:
Community members, county and state officials, veterans and their families joined together on Memorial Day, Monday May 27, 2019 to honor fallen soldiers at the annual ceremony in Edmonson County.

The ceremony featured guest speaker Leon Tarter, a U.S Army WWII veteran and Edmonson County native. Other guest speakers included  State Representative Michael Lee Meredith and Judge Executive Wil Cannon.

Featured guest speaker Leon Tarter, a U.S Army WWII veteran and Edmonson County native.

The South Edmonson Bulldog Choir, led by Jessica Doyle performed the "Star Spangled Banner" and "American Tears". Edmonson County Sheriff Shane Doyle sang "God Bless America".

The South Edmonson Bulldog Choir performing during the ceremony.

Edmonson County Sheriff Shane Doyle singing "God Bless America".

Local DAV Commander, Jack Hasty, welcomed guests and the flag was presented by VFW Post 6937 Honor Guard, and Scouts of America Pack 597. The Service Flags were presented by Scouts of America Troop 114.  Girl Scout Troop 313 presented the POW/MIA flag during the ceremony. Scouts of America Pack 597 also conducted the placing of the wreath. 

Maurita Miller, DAV Auxiliary Commander read a tribute to this year's featured veteran, Sgt. Charles Wayne Graham, who was killed in action on March 12, 1968 in Binh Duong, Vietnam. 

DAV District 2 and Chapter 32 Adjutant, Mike Stoyonovich read the poem "Just a Common Solider".  Penny Saltsman, DAVA Adjutant recognized all veterans present at the ceremony and Invocation was by Bro. Jerry Patton.

The Calling of Names of the fallen was conducted and the bell was tolled in their honor. The ceremony was concluded with the 21-gun salute by the local VFW Honor Guard and "Taps," played by Benny Durbin.