By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–A large crowd was on hand for a moving Memorial Day Service on the Henry County Courthouse lawn Monday. A military funeral with honors was reenacted, complete with a the Tennessee State Color Guard and a flag-draped casket on a horse-drawn caisson drawn by the horses of Andrew Paschall of Puryear.
Doves were released by Randy Prince of the County Veterans’ Service office, commanders of the local veterans’ organizations laid wreaths at the Veterans’ Monument on the courthouse lawn, the significance of the Missing Man Table was presented by Mark Grogan. Ed Smith of Paris played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes, while the Tennessee State Guard perform a gun salute and a bugler played “Taps”.
This year, Organizer Ann Smith asked all veterans to come to the front to be recognized and said, “You all made it home and you’re all heroes.”
Smith said, “This day isn’t about going to the lake and family picnics. Today is a day to remember our fallen heroes.”
Commanders of the local veterans’ organizations were introduced: Kathi Duncan, Am Vets Post 45; Ronnie Norwood, VFW Post 1889; Steve Erffmeyer, American Legion Post 89; Ron Tyler, Unforgotten Motorcycle Club; Mike and Karen Trippett, Caring Bikers. Rev. Mike Robertson of Spring Creek Baptist Church gave the prayers. Joel Taylor presented a patriotic song.
Grogan said to the crowd, “Every day should be Memorial Day”.
Photos by Shannon McFarlin.
