A Grateful Community Remembers
Members of the KYSSAR Color Guard present the colors during the Memorial Day ceremony held May 25 on the lawn of the Butler County Courthouse. PHOTO | Beverly Bonilla
Story and Pictures by Beverly Bonilla
On May 25, 2026, the Memorial Day program hosted by the Granville VFW Post #5837 and Auxiliary was held on the lawn of the Butler County Courthouse as community members gathered to honor and remember America’s heroes. Donnie Webster, with the KYSSAR Color Guard, presented the colors, followed by the opening prayer given by David Daugherty of Granville Allen VFW Post 5837.
Next to speak was the Veterans speaker and Morgantown Mayor Billy Phelps. Mayor Phelps spoke about the true meaning of honoring the men and women who gave their lives defending America’s freedom. Standing in the courthouse square surrounded by monuments dedicated to veterans, he reminded those gathered that Memorial Day is far more than a holiday, it is a day of remembrance for the sacrifices made by generations of American service members. He reflected on how Memorial Day began after the Civil War as Decoration Day, when families decorated the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags so their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
Mayor Phelps spoke about the courage shown by American troops throughout history, including those who stormed the beaches of Normandy, fought in the Pacific, served at sea and flew dangerous missions overseas. He especially highlighted the fierce Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945, where Marines, sailors, soldiers, airmen, and Coast Guardsmen all worked together in one of the deadliest battles in American history. He reminded the crowd that every branch of service mattered and every sacrifice carried a cost paid by young Americans willing to fight for something greater than themselves.
Bryan Pharris and Ballard Mattingly participate in the wreath-laying ceremony and read the names of 30 fallen soldiers during the Memorial Day program. PHOTO | Beverly Bonilla
He also spoke about John Basilone, the Medal of Honor recipient who chose to return to battle beside his fellow Marines even after already becoming a national hero. Mayor Phelps said Basilone’s story represents the heart of Memorial Day, remembering not statistics or history books but the people who gave everything for their country. He urged the community to continue teaching younger generations the meaning of Memorial Day and the price paid for the freedoms Americans enjoy every day. Mayor Phelps also reminded those gathered about the true meaning behind the Pledge of Allegiance saying the words carry far more weight because of the sacrifices made by America’s service members. Closing his remarks, Mayor Phelps reminded everyone gathered that freedom has never been free, and that the sacrifices of America’s heroes must never be forgotten.
Debra Worley, representing the Butler County NSDAR, read the touching poem “Just a Common Soldier.” Joel Blanchard, Senior Vice President and Americanism Charman for the Greenville Allen VFW Auxiliary reminded those in attendance that Memorial Day is not simply the beginning of summer or a day off work, but the sacred day of remembrance for the brave men and women who never made it home.
Tabitha Mattingly, President of Granville Allen VFW Auxiliary, shared a Memorial Day poem honoring those who gave their lives in service to the nation. Ballard Mattingly and Brian Pharris named 30 soldiers who lost their lives. Don Elmore played “Taps” as Ballard Mattingly and Brian Pharris laid the wreath at the memorial. Elaine Daugherty of the Green River NSDAR gave the benediction to close the ceremony. Many were in attendance to pay their respects, standing together in gratitude and remembrance, providing that the sacrifices of America’s heroes will never be forgotten.
