Memorial Day celebrated

Putnam County honors fallen heroes with ceremony

  • Loretta Hampton sings the Star Spangled Banner while those attending the Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Wall of Honor Park salute the American flag. T. MICHAEL STONE/ S t a ff
    Loretta Hampton sings the Star Spangled Banner while those attending the Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Wall of Honor Park salute the American flag. T. MICHAEL STONE/ S t a ff
  • VFW scholarship presentation to Bobby Boone for playing Taps the past four years in each ceremony. LYNN HOBBS/ S t a ff
    VFW scholarship presentation to Bobby Boone for playing Taps the past four years in each ceremony. LYNN HOBBS/ S t a ff
  • Lt. Col. Adkinson, instructor of the Putnam County High School JROTC program, speaks at the Memorial Day ceremony. T. MICHAEL STONE/ S t a ff
    Lt. Col. Adkinson, instructor of the Putnam County High School JROTC program, speaks at the Memorial Day ceremony. T. MICHAEL STONE/ S t a ff
  • Representing Leadership Putnam, Charles Trumbo presents a check for $8,525 to Nikki Barker for the repairs of the Veterans Wall of Honor. T. MICHAEL STONE/ S t a ff
    Representing Leadership Putnam, Charles Trumbo presents a check for $8,525 to Nikki Barker for the repairs of the Veterans Wall of Honor. T. MICHAEL STONE/ S t a ff
  • A large crowd gathered to pay respect to men and woman who gave the ultimate sacrifice for The United States. LYNN HOBBS/ S t a ff
    A large crowd gathered to pay respect to men and woman who gave the ultimate sacrifice for The United States. LYNN HOBBS/ S t a ff

    Putnam County veterans and local residents honored fallen members of the military with a Memorial Day gathering at the Veterans’ Memorial Wall Monday morning.

    Wall of Honor President/Army Veteran from the VFW, Nikki Barker opened the ceremony, followed by the Invocation from VFW Commander Dick Dickens.

    Retired US Army Lt. Colonel Frank Adkinson, now instructing the JROTC program at Putnam County High School, was the featured speaker. He thanked Putnam County officials for the honor of allowing him to make the keynote address.

    “I’m honored to be in the presence of so many veterans who are here this morning,” Adkinson said.

    Adkinson began his remarks by quoting British Prime Minister Winston Churchill who once said “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”

    “Memorial Day is about honoring, remembering and celebrating,” Adkinson said. “Each life [lost] was that of a father, a brother, sister, uncle, aunt, cousin, neighbor or friend. These are often lives taken way too early.

    “As we honor the fallen, we must also honor the families who shoulder a burden for the rest of us.

    Adkinson outlined the history of the American struggle for freedom and liberty from the Revolutionary War, through the Civil War, World War II, Vietnam and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

    “As Europe was gripped with hatred and the rise of Fascism, our fallen heroes protected democracy for the world to see. We are remembering them as fallen heroes, but we are also remembering what they fought for and the gift they have given us.”

    Adkinson concluded his remarks by talking about the current generation of military men and women.

    “I was recently at a ceremony for newly commissioned officers. It was rewarding to see these young men and women. They are ready to defend this great nation. The legacy and attitude of our fallen heroes was alive and well as I spoke to these young officers.

    “I remember my time in Germany in a multinational formation on Veteran’s Day with U.S., French, German, Italian, Polish, Ukrainian and other NATO countries throughout Europe. As I stood in the formation of soldiers from across Europe who were once sworn enemies, I couldn’t help but be amazed at seeing a German soldier standing next to a French soldier or a British soldier, side by side with their heads down during a prayer, remembering their own fallen. How powerful it is to share in meaningful remembrance like we are doing here, today.”

    In conclusion, Adkinson quoted General George S. Patton: “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who have died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.”

    At the conclusion of the ceremonies, the VFW presented a $1,000 scholarship check to Bobby Boone in appreciation of his performance of Taps at the last four Memorial Day ceremonies.

    Charles Trumbo, on behalf of the Putnam Leadership Class of 2022 program, presented a check to Barker in the amount of $8,525.00 for renovations in the park, with additional special thanks to Gatewood School along with Interfor Company for their contributions to the Leadership program.

    Loretta Hampton performed The National Anthem, which was followed by the Benediction by the Reverend Sidney Jackson of the American Legion.

    A new Space Force Flag is hanging with the other military branch flags behind the wall, and recognition was given to Calvin Welch for placing the small American flags throughout the park to add patriotic ambiance.

    Many stop by the wall to recognize lost family members, friends or to view a brick that was placed in their own honor. The walls feature nearly 2,000 engraved bricks with the names of military service members with a local connection. The park is open 24 hours a day for a place to remember or pay homage while enjoying quiet time with family and friends. The park features a pavilion and seating for picnics.

    For more information on dedicating a brick to a family member or friend, whether they reside or have resided in the county, please contact any local American legion and VFW Post member.