Veterans Honored At Annual Memorial Day Ceremony

Crowd members honor veterans today at the annual Memorial Day Ceremony.

Local Organizations, Elected Officials, and Scouts Lead Ceremony

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Dozens gathered at the Veterans Courtyard today on the Edmonson County Courthouse Square to honor veterans and their sacrifices at the annual Edmonson County Memorial Day Ceremony.

The ceremony featured guest speaker, U.S. Army Ret. MSgt. Larry Hawks, an Edmonson County native, who was introduced by friend, Eric Spainhoward. Also featured speakers were State Rep. Michael Lee Meredith and Judge Executive Wil Cannon.

Wingfield native Army Ret. MSgt. Larry Hawks speaks at today's ceremony.

Floyd Houston lowers and raises the American flag.

Jack Hasty, local DAV Commander, welcomed all guests while the flag was presented by VFW Post 6937 Honor Guard, Girl Scout Troop 313, and Boy Scout Pack 597. Both the boy and girl scouts were instrumental in today's ceremony.

Edmonson County Sheriff Shane Doyle sang The Star Spangled Banner just before the invocation was delivered by Bro. Jerry Patton. Other special music was provided by the group Victory Voices.

DAV Adjutant Penny Saltsman recognized more than three dozen local veterans that were in attendance today and Maurita Miller was recognized at the state level as she was presented a certificate from Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs, Heather French Henry, by Magistrate Joe Durbin.

Miller then read a tribute to this year's featured local fallen soldier, Walker B. "Dink" Sanders, who was killed in action during WWII.

The names of all local veterans lost in action were read as the bell was tolled in their honor. The ceremony concluded with an emotional 21-gun salute by the local VFW Honor Guard and "Taps," which was played by Benny Durbin.