Memorial Day Ceremony 2024; Nesbit Alexander Honored

Nisbet Alexander, WWII, courtesy of EdmonsonVets.com

Madison Doyle, story and photos:
The annual Edmonson County Memorial Day Ceremony was held today, May 27, 2024 in the Edmonson County Community Center.

All of the seating in the community center was completely filled, some folks had to sit in lawn chairs they brought, and some were even forced to stand.

DAV Commander Jack Hasty began the ceremony by welcoming and thanking the crowd. Then, the Scouts of America Troop 597 gave the presentation of the U.S. Flag and wreath, and then they led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

South Edmonson Bulldog Choir performed the National Anthem, led by Mrs. Jessica Doyle. Following this, Bro. Jerry Patton led Guest speakers for the ceremony were State Representative Michael Lee Meredith and Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey.

Penny Saltsman, DAVA adjutant, then gave a special recognition to Boy Scout Member Justin Mullis, who participated in his final ceremony today. Maurita Miller, DAVA Commander, then recognized the veterans in attendance, and introduced Gerald Carroll, VFW member, to the stage.

Carroll spoke about the featured veteran, Sgt. Nesbit Alexander. Alexander fought in World War 2, and was awarded four battle stars. He earned both the Silver Star and the Purple Heart in a single day. Alexander served from August 1935-August 1938, and April 1939-July 1945. He later served as the Edmonson County Court Clerk for 8 years, the Kentucky Service Director for the Disabled American Veterans, the director of the Bank of Edmonson County, and also helped organize Nesbit Alexander VFW Post 6937, and served as Post Commander for many years.

Following Mr. Carroll's recognition of Sgt. Alexander, Mike Stoyonovich called out the names of the fallen soldiers with the tolling of the bell. Then, the Bulldog Choir performed for the second time, singing “American Tears,” which visibly moved the crowd with emotion.

Greg Hudson, DAV member, gave the protocol for raising and lowering the flag on Memorial Day, and then David Alexander sang "Amazing Grace."

After this, the ceremony was moved outside for the retiring of the U.S. flag and wreath by the Scouts of America, and the ceremony came to a close as Benny Durbin, DAV member played "Taps."