Memorial Day Marked With Music,
Speeches, and Flag Waving on Downtown Square, Friday

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

 

Hopkins County paused for a tribute to those soldiers who have given their lives in the service of their country, on Friday morning, at 10:00 a.m., as the Middle School Band played patriotic songs, the ECLC children sang, and speeches were given. Those in the crowd proudly waved American flags in remembrance of the freedoms we enjoy.

 

 

The Hopkins County Military Coalition presented the colors and gave a three-round volley in tribute to their fallen comrades, in all the wars.

 

 

 

Two Hopkins County veterans were remembered, Billie N. Anderson, a WWII veteran, and Clayton McGraw a veteran of the Korean Conflict.

Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce CEO, Meredith Caddell, was the guest speaker, as she gave tribute to the role of women in the Armed Services and their roles as "keepers of the home" during war. She told of the original roles of women, who "took over" the homes and farms and kept them operating, while their husbands and sons left for war. She then told of the integration of women into the branches of the Armed Services, as they have made their mark in fighting alongside men, in the pursuit of preserving our freedoms.

 

Meredith Caddell was the featured speaker at Friday's remembrance.

 

"I want each of us to honor all those who have died protecting our freedoms," exclaimed Caddell. "The price of freedom that we enjoy each and every day is not free....it's been bought with great, great sacrifices by the men and women who proudly serve to protect our country!"

 

 

 

ECLC students sang such songs as "This Land Is You Land" and "God Bless America," while the Middle School Band presented an array of patriotic songs for the group gathered in front of the historic Hopkins County Courthouse.

 

 

"This building behind us, has witnessed the sending off of young men and women to war from Hopkins County," expressed Caddell. "Let's never forget the price of our freedom!"

 

 

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