Friends and neighbors gathered to honor past and current members of the armed forces.
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of the summer for many of us. Summer is the time we often find ourselves anticipating when we tire of the cool, gray days of winter and wish we could run barefoot on a newly mowed lawn or float lazily down a river without care and be free from our responsibilities, if only for a day.
Because of the effort and sacrifice of all veterans and current members of the armed forces we are fortunate to have the opportunity to enjoy many freedoms that we frequently take for granted.
Saturday, May 24. 2008 a ceremony was held at the Franklin County Veterans’ Memorial Park to honor those individuals who have, and continue to do everything in their power to ensure that we have the opportunity to continue to enjoy these freedoms.
On this sunny Saturday (the kind of day that is perfect for a picnic with your favorite people!) friends and neighbors gathered to pay tribute to these remarkable people. The ceremony opened with the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance and placement of a wreath of red, white and blue, followed by the singing of the National Anthem performed by Edna Oeser.
Following opening remarks by B.W. Wright, Jr. of the Franklin County Veterans’ Memorial Commission, local governmental representatives addressed the assembly and expressed their individual appreciation for members of the armed services. Speakers on hand included Rocky Mount Mayor Steve Angle; Charles Wagner, Franklin County Board of Supervisors; Charles Poindexter, Virginia House of Delegates, 9th District; Wayne Outlaw, National President, Ruritan National; and Colonel Dan Agee.
Local artist, Katie Sulzman presented a painting of the Franklin County Veterans Park to Charles Wagner. Morris Stephenson and Steve Oakes were each recognized for their community efforts.
Following the playing of Taps by Rachel Davis and Brandon Osgood, all veterans, family and friends were invited to attend a luncheon honoring veterans at the Waidsboro Ruritan Complex. The luncheon was hosted by all five Ruritan Clubs of Franklin County and the Franklin County Veterans’ Memorial Commission.
Let us never forget or take for granted what so many have given for our gain.
Visit the following photo galleries to see the other photos taken by our photographers while covering this event:
Set 1 - Set 2 - Set 3
