Local WWII Veterans honored
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Neither a night of severe storms nor the invasion of cacophonous cicadas could prevent a large crowd from paying tribute to this nation's honored dead at special ceremonies at Cliff Hill Cemetery on Memorial Day - Monday, May 31.

Also honored for their service to their country were World War II veterans, who received recognition in a ceremony at the site of the Veterans Memorial on the Courthouse Square.

Following a parade led by the American Legion Color Guard, members of Leora Weare Post 173, the South Ripley High School Band under the direction of Eric Stauffer, and the Versailles Boy Scouts, the crowd gathered in the cemetery for a brief service of remembrance for those who had given their lives in the service of their country.

Once more Congressman Baron Hill made good on his promise to attend and participate in this community's Memorial Day Service although he noted that because of the
storm/tornado damage in several areas of the Ninth District, he would have to move on to meet the governor to determine where and how much damage resulted.

Speaking briefly, Congressman Hill summed up his feelings: "I like to attend this Memorial Day Service because you people in this community know how to do it right. Each year as I have attended, I have come away with the impression that this is indeed the way our honored dead should be remembered."

After prayer by Chaplain Jim Taul, an appropriate message by Legion Commander Sandy Becker, patriotic music by the South Ripley band, the placing of the memorial wreath by Sergeant-at-Arms Jerald Hewitt, and a 21-gun salute, the service moved from the cemetery to the Veterans Memorial on the Square.

Service at Veterans Memorial for World War II veterans

At the Veterans Memorial World War II veterans as well as family members of veterans who lost their lives in World War II received recognition from Emcee Tilden "Sugo" Castner, a member of the United States Marine Corps in the Vietnam War, and John Ward, a veteran of the Korean War.

Special music included the singing of "The National Anthem" by B.J. Myers and the playing of "America the Beautiful" by the South Ripley High School Band.

More than 60 veterans sat in seats of honor in front of the Veterans Memorial and introduced themselves, their branch of service, and the years they served during World War II. Each received a lapel pin featuring the National World War II Monument dedicated on Sunday in Washington, D.C.

Although cicadas made their presence known, those in attendance brushed the red-eyed, transparent-winged insects off each other, grateful for the fact these bothersome bugs only come around every 17 years.

Indeed it was a time for remembering and honoring those who gave so much for their country and guaranteed us the freedoms we enjoy. Even cicadas couldn't suppress the spirit of gratitude, the feeling of patriotism, and the sense of sacrifice.

MARY MARGARET MOORHEAD PHOTO

At the Veterans Memorial World War II veterans along with family members of veterans who lost their lives in WWII were honored on Monday, May 31, at a special ceremony held on the courthouse lawn in Versailles. Tilden Sugo Castner, a member of the US Marine Corp in the Vietnam War, turned the microphone over to the veterans letting each one speak. The event was well attended following the annual Memorial Day Service sponsored by the Versailles American Legion at the Cliff Hill Cemetery where Congressman Baron Hill was the featured speaker.