May We Always Remember

By PJ Martin

Editor

The Herald-News

 

The American Legion Post 65 and the VFW Post 6281 held a well attended Memorial Day service on Sunday, May 25^th in the historic courthouse yard. The commanders of both posts were introduced David Hill for the American Legion Post and Donald Lloyd for the VFW Post.

The Metcalfe County Concert Band, led by Tiffany Riggins, performed beautifully for the event and gave an especially wonderful performance of the National Anthem.

The Pledge of Allegiance was given by both post leaders prior to Bill Lytle, Chaplain of the American Legion Post giving the prayer.

A special presentation was made to the family of Joel Jack Sandidge. The metals he earned and that were listed on his discharge papers were presented to the family by Commander Lloyd. The Combat Infantry Badge, 5 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign medal, WWII Victory medal, and an Army of Occupation medal.

Joel Jack Sandidge entered the US Army at the age of 33 and after only 4 ½ months of training was sent straight into combat and became an infantryman in the 143^rd Infantry. Per his DD214 discharge papers, he was in the Naples Foggia Campaign, an amphibious landing on mainland Italy, and the Rome Arno Campaign. The Southern France Campaign sometimes known as Operation Dragon which was the Allied invasion of southern France. He was honorably discharged on May 16, 1946.

Jerry Gassaway presented the VFW Chaplain name tag and Bible to the daughter of the late Jerry Waller. She, along with other family members, were in attendance. He was a member of the DAV color guard and the Chaplain of VFW Post 6281.

The guest speakers, both veterans, spoke of their time in service to the country. They are also husband and wife A.K. and Nancy Taylor. They were given the honor of placing the wreath at the memorial in memory of the soldiers from Metcalfe County who never made it home.

A great rendition of TAPS was played by Blake Thurman, a member of the high school band.

A big thank you to Edmonton Police Officer Dustin Clemmons who halted traffic at the light during the ceremonial laying of the wreath. The monument is close to the intersection and it was a greatly appreciated act of respect.

After the dismissal, a photo of all the veterans in attendance was taken. May we always remember and honor those veterans who were lost fighting for our freedoms.