Advertisement

firehouse pizza banner

Community remembers those who served and sacrificed for the nation at Memorial Day service

On May 31, 2021, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5837 Auxiliary hosted the Memorial Day Program at the front of the Butler County Courthouse. 

Dana Phelps, Americanism Chairman for the VFW Post 5837 Auxiliary, welcomed everyone in attendance.  Following was Bro. T. J. Howard who led everyone in an opening prayer.

Butler County’s NJROTC presented the colors as First Sergeant Jerrod Hutchenson led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.  After the Pledge of Allegiance, Jon Hunt sang “The Star Spangled Banner.” 


Once Jon Hunt was finished, Keynote Speaker, Mayor Billy Phelps, began his speech.  His speech was a story of a man named Nicholas Johnson.  Mayor Phelps spoke of the countless times Nicholas Johnson thought of his country and family’s freedom over his own life.  After all the sacrifices made by Johnson, he was able to return home where he started a family.  As Mayor Phelps said, “I’m telling you about Nicholas because after everything he went through, even though he survived the war, he was one of the uncountable numbers, whose true sacrifice measured more than we will ever know.” 

It was even made mention that Dana Phelps is the third great-grand daughter of Nicholas Johnson.  Mayor Phelps ended his speech with this: “May God Bless all those who have and will make the ultimate sacrifice, and may God Bless America and all those who have served.” 

Olivia Otto followed Mayor Phelps’ speech with the singing of “God Bless the USA.” 

Next, President of the VFW Auxiliary Post 5837, Lynda Knight did a reading of the poem "Enjoy Your Freedom, It Has Been Paid For" by LeAnn Thieman.  

Following the poem, David Hocker spoke about the Butler County Daughters to the American Revolution.  Then, Melanie Hunt from the Green River Daughters to the American Revolution, spoke on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Darlene Scott followed with the “Quilts of Valor” presentation and Ralph Spohn led everyone in a closing prayer.

Before being dismissed, some members of the VFW Auxiliary, Butler County DAR, Green River DAR, and SAR participated in the Laying of the Wreath. 

 

 * * *

Story by Jordan Dockery, Beech Tree News.

 

Tags: 


Bookmark and Share

Advertisements