MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY AT YATESVILLE LAKE

This Memorial Day ceremony was held at noon on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at The Boat Dock Marina at Yatesville Lake State Park. The VFW 6103 and American Legion Post 89 of Louisa, Ky had music, food and hosted several guest speakers of what Memorial Day means to them.

The ceremony was kicked off by Commander, James Barnette, of the VFW 6103. He started off the ceremony with prayer, pledge of allegiance and themed music representing each branch of the military. He commented, “We honor the memory of those that gave their lives for the service of our country and may the ceremonies of today deepen our reverence for our fallen friends and comrades.”

There was a small table setting in place to represent the P.O.W. and M.I.A. of armed soldiers who did not make it home. Everything on the table represents the traditional setting for a missing armed solider. “We join together in keeping faith with their families while waiting for their return and all our comrades will be back in our ranks.”

The first guest speaker was State Representative, Mrs. Kathy Hinkle. She took the stage and spoke on the importance of Memorial Day. “While growing up Memorial Day was known as Decoration Day. It was started on June 8, 1861 to recognize our civil war in Virginia. May the 30^th of 1868 was the first federal government recognized Memorial Day.” Mrs. Hinkle spoke from personal experience about her military family, including her father who fought in Korea. Mrs. Hinkle went on to say, “Freedom is not free, and I appreciate each of you and your family for the dedication to our country.”

Next Mrs. Missy Kennedy, Yatesville Lake State Park Manager, took to the stage and shared her own memories about her military family. “We appreciate everything this organization does and are here to provide the park and help in any way we can.”

Vince Doty, Asst. County Judge Executive spoke next and started by saying, “If it wasn’t for the men and women who fought for our country, we would have no country.” He then honored his own family by mentioning their services to the armed forces. “Real superheroes are these men and women who have fought for this country and have given their lives for this country and there will never be enough benefits and memorials to honor the amount of appreciation that is deserved.”

County Clerk Chris Jobe took to the stage next to honor the veterans. “Freedom is not free and thank you for all the sacrifices of our veterans. The land of freedom is made possible by our men and women of the military and blessed to have the freedom to enjoy our beautiful country. God Bless you and thank you.”

Wrapping up the memorial there was a 21 gun salute and final prayer before enjoying the Memorial Day Picnic.

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The VFW 6103 and American Legion Post 89 would like to thank the following businesses for supporting The Veteran’s: Three Rivers Hospital, Walmart, Wilson’s Funeral Home, Brown’s Foods, Inez Deposit Bank, Food City, Save-a-Lot, KFC,  U-Haul, Marcum Custom Graphics, Car City, Papa John’s, Louisa Eye Care.