Veterans Remembered at 2023 Memorial Day Ceremony

Special guest veterans Paul Vincent (left) and D.C. Decker (right), Edmonson County's only two remaining World War II veterans.

Madison Doyle, story and photos:
The annual Memorial Day ceremony was held today in the Edmonson County Courthouse yard. This year's ceremony featured many guest speakers, special recognition of several groups and individuals, with a couple of musical performances.

DAV Commander, Jack Hasty, began the ceremony by welcoming the crowd, which was even larger than last year's. The VFW Post 6937 Honor Guard and the Scouts of America Pack 597 presented the the United States flag.

Nathan Carrol, DAV Chaplain, then explained the protocol for the raising or lowering of the American flag, and also the meaning of Memorial Day.

"People often confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day as the same celebration, and it's not," said Carrol. "Veterans Day is in November, and it's when we honor those soldiers who are still here with us today. Memorial Day is more sorrowful, because today we honor those who have fallen."

Jack Hasty welcomes the crowd.

Nathan Carrol explains the purpose of lowering the flag.

After being led in the pledge of allegiance by the Scouts of America, and a performance of the National Anthem by the South Edmonson Bulldog Choir, Brother Jerry Patton led in prayer, and then Jack Hasty introduced the four guest speakers: Representative Michael Lee Meredith, Circuit Court Judge J.B. Hines, Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey, and DAV Member Wil Cannon.

Each of these speakers spoke on their thankfulness for the patriotism shown in Edmonson County, and each said they were "extremely proud" to live here.

Penny Saltsman recognized all of the veterans in attendance, and Maurita Miller and Gerald Carroll recognized the two guest veterans, Paul Vincent and D.C. Decker. These two men are Edmonson County's only remaining World War II veterans. There are currently only 7,000 World War II vets remaining.

The South Edmonson Bulldog Choir performed a second time, singing "American Tears" and receiving a standing ovation from the veterans in attendance.

The ceremony was concluded by a 21 gun salute from the VFW 6937 Honor Guard, and the playing of taps by Benny Durbin, DAV member.