Photo: Ed Smith leads the way on bagpipes as Commanders of the local service organizations perform the Laying of the Wreaths. Shannon McFarlin photo.
By Shannon McFarlin photo.
Paris, Tenn.–A large crowd was on hand for Saturday’s Memorial Day Service in downtown Paris and heard emotional words from Major Susan Parker of the Tennessee National Guard and witnessed the Laying of the Wreaths by the local service organization commanders, a mock military honors funeral, and the Missing Man table explained by Mark Grogan.
Major Parker of Paris spoke of the meaning of Memorial Day and spotlighted Johnny Overton of Nashville; Dusty Carroll of McKenzie; and Justin Blackwell of Paris, all of whom died in service. She is the former Commander of the 212th Engineering Co. in Paris and noted that on the Memorial Day holiday, “Taps are played, patriotic songs are sung and people gather to remember the solemn sacrifice” by our military men and women. “But words don’t add much to that empty space at the table.”
Freedom isn’t free, she said. “The freedoms we enjoy were bought by the life’s blood” of the military.
Emcee was Ronnie Norwood, Commander of VFW Post 1889. Other Commanders on hand were: Glenn Taylor, AmVets Post 45; Cliff Witty, American Legion Post 89; John Cook, Unforgotten MC; Mike and Karen Trippett, Caring Bikers.
The Laying of the Wreaths was performed by the Commanders, with Ed Smith playing bagpipes. The Tennessee State Guard presented and retired the colors and performed the mock military honors funeral.