Veterans Honored At 2017 Edmonson County Memorial Day Ceremony

Boy Scout Troop 597 and VFW Post 6937 Honor Guard present the colors at today's ceremony.

Mike Stoyonovich and Floyd Houston raise the flag to half-staff.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Beautiful sunshine and mild temperatures set the stage as many paid honor to fallen, active, and retired veterans today at Edmonson County's annual Memorial Day Ceremony, held on the courthouse square. 

Guest speakers included Edmonson County native Ret. Col Cheryl Lynn Webb Jackson, Army Nurse Corps, Ret. Navy officer Eric Roscoe, and Ret. Lt. COL USMC John E. Vincent, who gave a fitting tribute to this year's local fallen veteran, Capt. Albert W. Mitchell.

The ceremony is organized each year by the DAV and DAV Auxiliary and also included many other local guests and participants such as: Jack Hasty, DAV Commander, VFW Post 6937 Honor Guard, Boy Scout Troop 597, Cub Scout Troop 597, Girl Scout Troop 313, Bro. Jerry Patton, DAV Auxiliary Commander Maurita Miller, Penny Saltsman, Mike Stoyonovich, Floyd Houston, Benny Durbin, and special songs by Sheriff Shane Doyle as well as the Pleasant Union Trio.

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Judge Executive Wil Cannon proclaimed Tuesday, May 30, 2017 "Maurita Miller Day" to recognize Mrs. Miller for her leadership and hard work in organizing the Wiley Willis Memorial Wall, which is now the centerpiece of the courtyard.

Veterans present at the ceremony were recognized and the names of each fallen soldier from Edmonson County was called as the solemn bell rang for each name.

Boy Scout Troop 597 presented the colors at today's ceremony as well as placing the memorial wreath on the fallen soldiers monument and folding the American Flag as Girl Scout Troop 313 explained the purpose and meaning of each fold. The girl scouts also released balloons in honor of the fallen.

The ceremony was closed by a powerful 21-gun salute, presented by VFW Post 6937.