Edmonson County Veterans Honored At Ceremony

All Veterans in attendance gathered for a photo after the ceremony.

Moriah Peterson, story and photos:
The community gathered on the courthouse lawn on Saturday July 13, 2019 to honor two Edmonson County native Veterans, Cpl. James Larry Hightower and Master Sergeant (Ret) Larry L. Hawks.

The opening prayer was led by brother Jerry Patton, and the Barren County Chapter 20 DAV Honor Guard presented the U.S Flag. Edmonson County resident Destiny Day Butler preformed the "Star Spangled Banner" and "Amazing Grace".

Opening prayer being said by brother Jerry Patton.

The Barren County Chapter 20 DAV Honor Guard presenting the U.S Flag.

Destiny Day Butler singing the "Star Spangled Banner" during the ceremony.

Guest speakers included State Representative Micheal Meredith, Judge Executive Wil Cannon, and Brownsville Kentucky Mayor Jerry Meredith. DAV Senior Vice Commander Mike Stoyonovich, read biographies of both Veterans during the ceremony. 

A recognition ceremony was held for retired Master Sergeant Larry L. Hawks 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) the recipient of Distinguished Service Cross for "Valorous Actions" in Afghanistan in 2005.

​SFC Hawks is the son of Tonie and Patsy Hawks of Wingfield. He and his wife, Callie Hawks, currently reside in Clinton NC, with thier sons, Tristan and Adian and daughters, Lorin and Addie. 

The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military award that can be given to a member of the United States Army, for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. 

The following is from the citation for Sargent First Class Hawk's Distinguished Service Cross: For extraordinary heroism and valor while engaged in hostile action against anti coalition forces in the town of Syahcow as the Senior Engineer Sergeant for ODA 324. SFC Hawks' valor, dedication to duty, and disregard for his own personal safety directly contributed to mission accomplishment. His gallantry under extreme enemy fire led to the destruction of a determined enemy and helped to save the lives of his fellow detachment members and coalition solders. His performance reflects great credit upon himself, the combined joint task force-Afghanistan, and the United States Army. 

During the Ceremony, Master Sergeant Larry. L. Hawks thanked all who attended and the event organizers for all their efforts.

Master Sergeant Larry L. Hawks and his family at the Recognition Ceremony.

In the ceremony, Green Street in Brownsville was dedicated to the honor and memory Corporal James Larry Hightower, a Edmonson County native and U.S Marine Corps Co. G, 3rd Marines, who was killed in action on October 22, 1966, during a search and destroy op in Khe Le Valley, Vietnam.

​Corporal James Larry Hightower was the son of Russell and Margaret Denham Hightower of Brownsville, and had one brother, William G. Hightower. Luther N. Norene, a second cousin to Corporal James Larry Hightower, was also in attendance of dedication and recognition ceremony.

The reveal of the Green Street dedication sign.

Luther N. Norene, a second cousin to Corporal James Larry Hightower attended the dedication and recognition ceremony.

The 21-gun salute by Barren County Chapter 20 DAV Honor Guard.

"Taps," was played by Benny Durbin to conclude the ceremony.

The ceremony was concluded with the 21-gun salute by Barren County Chapter 20 DAV Honor Guard and "Taps," played by Benny Durbin.