Beech Tree News Network

Granville Allen VFW Post 5837 hosted a heartfelt Memorial Day ceremony on the Butler County Courthouse lawn on Monday, May 25, at 10:00 a.m.

Tabitha Mattingly, President of the Granville Allen VFW Auxiliary, served as the emcee for the event.

Donnie Webster and the KYSSAR Color Guard presented the colors. David Daugherty led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance and delivered the opening prayer.

Former Marine and Morgantown Mayor Billy Phelps served as the event’s keynote speaker.

“As we look around this courthouse yard, we see sacrifice and courage—names of sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, neighbors, and friends from across our county. Many returned home with memories they will never forget, while some never came home at all,” Phelps said.

Debra Worley recited the poem “Just a Common Soldier.”

Joel Blanchard also addressed the audience, emphasizing that freedom is not free and urging everyone to honor, remember, and never forget it.

Tabitha Mattingly read the Memorial Day Poem.

Bryan Pharris and Ballard Mattingly then read the names of local veterans who have passed away:

Master Sgt Adam Arnold

Major Charles Ransom

Sergeant First ClassJeremy Kesslering

Sergeant First Class Whisenhut

Sgt Willet

Sgt Martin

Corporeal Manibog

Sgt Rhett

Lieutenant Runyon

2nd Lieutenant Jimmy Sherrill

Sgt Ronnie Tarrance

Corporeal  Henry Tarrance U. S. Army Air Corps

Hobert Cecil Wingfield U S Navy

George Hope U S Navy

Jennings 2 tours in Vietnam, U.S. Air Force

Ron Pharris, Vietnam, U S Army

Archie Daugherty WWII

George Sasarak WWII

Florido Pirini WWII

Ballard B. Mattingly Marines

SP4 Don Gurthrie Elmore Army

MSGT Darrel Daugherty, Army

David George Sasarak Air Force

Harold Colter Navy WWII

Jimmy Hampton

Bernie Esco Colter Army

Robert Hassell, Army Air Corps WWII

Howard Hyatt, Army Air Corps WWII

Edward Achenbach Air Force

Don Elmore played Taps as Pharris and Mattingly placed a wreath at the Memorial monument.

To conclude the ceremony, Elaine Daugherty offered the benediction.

Cub Scout Pack 208 assisted with the ceremony, contributing to the respectful and meaningful observance.