Beech Tree News Network

“There is a special sadness that accompanies the death of a serviceman, for we’re never quite good enough to them—not really; we can’t be because what they gave us is beyond our powers to repay.  And so, when a serviceman dies, it’s a tear in the fabric, a break in the whole, and all we can do is remember,” Superintendent Scott Howard quoted these words from Ronald Reagan at the Memorial Day program, held Monday, May 28, on the Butler County Courthouse lawn. 

               The program was organized by the Butler County chapter NSDAR.  Several veterans, as well as their families and friends were in attendance.  Representative C.B. Embry, Judge Hines, and Morgantown Mayor Billy Phelps were also present. 

               Before the keynote address, Superintendent Howard read the names of all Butler County servicemen who are now deceased.  World War I was the focus of this year’s address.  Melanie Hunt, Green River chapter NSDAR regent, read the names of the Butler County WWI veterans.

               During the address, Superintendent Howard reminded us that when we think of soldiers, we often think of “wizened old men,” but often they were just boys, “who gave up two lives—one they lived and one they would have lived.”

               There was a special presentation of Quilts of Valor by VFW Auxiliary Post 5837.  President Sherry Webster and “Piece Makers” Jennifer Odle, Darlene Scott and other members of the group presented special quilts, made here in the county, to eighteen Veterans, in honor of their service. (Veterans are selected through a nomination process.)  

The following Veterans received Quilts of Valor: Robert Estaver, Don McKenney, Johnathan Truelove, Billy Phelps, Roger Worley, David Martin, Don Jenkins, Vessie Johnson, Glendale Embry, Julian Carlock, David Richmond, Mitchell Russ, Greg Drake, SR, Brian McKinney, Kenny Johnson, James Alexander, James Adkins, and Robert Logan “Bobby” Hunt.

The program ended with the laying of a wreath at the War Memorial on the courthouse lawn and the playing of Taps by Vietnam War Veteran, Doug Odle.

      Story and photos by Cheryl Hughes, Beech Tree News