Remembering Pendleton's fallen soldiers and sailors
Dozens of people gathered May 26 outside the Hardin Browning American Legion Post 109 in Falmouth for the annual Memorial Day ceremonies. The program outdoors was rearranged and abbreviated because of an oncoming severe rainstorm. The program was finished inside the post.
Photos by Burton Cole
Pendleton County High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps cadets, from left, Sierra Deatherage, Catalina Furman and Georgia Oliver prepare to place a wreath in honor of fallen military personnel during Memorial Day ceremonies May 26 outside the Hardin Browning American Legion Post 109 in Falmouth. A severe storm that moved in that afternoon shortened the outdoor services, and the rest of the program, including the keynote address by Evan Meyer, pastor of Antioch Mills Christian Church, was mo
The Hardin Browning American Legion Post 109 Honor Guard fires a 21-gun salute during Memorial Day ceremonies. From left at Tom Rector, Mark Fields, Steve Bowman, Mark Zaffuto, David Emerick, Mike Helmer and Rick Herzog (behind tree), with Gary Barnard making the calls.
Pendleton County High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps cadets Catalina Furman, left, and Georgia Oliver salute the wreath placed to honor military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. American Legion members, standing from left, are Donald Wells, Johnnie Parsons, Tom Rector and Gary Barnard.
NJROTC cadets Micah Seksay, holding the flag, and Tanner Morris retire the colors after the singing of the national anthem.
Johnnie Parsons rings the bell as names of the six American Legion Post 109 members who have died since last year’s Memorial Day are read.
The daughters of past post commander Claude Thomas “Tommy” Florer express their gratitude, honoring their father for his many years of dedicated service to Falmouth American Legion Post 109. Florer, who died in 2020, was added to the Post’s Wall of Fame Plaque for his service to fellow veterans. He was remembered as a military veteran and caring individual who went out of his way to help others.
Kellie Daugherty, at the microphone, sings “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps cadets, from left, Tanner Morris, Micah Seksay, Brian Lynch and Emmalissa Brown present the colors during the national anthem. Post members in the background include Donald Wells, left, Gary Barnard, between the cadets and Daugherty, and Post Commander Jim Sharp, right.
Herman Schack, right, plays taps. Standing at attention are, from left, David Emerick (partially obstructed by tree), Mike Helmer, Reick Hertzog and Gary Barnard.
Memorial Day 2024
Memorial Day 2024