By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–A good crowd was on hand for today’s Henry County Memorial Day program on the courthouse lawn. Speakers reminded everyone that every day should be Memorial Day to remember the sacrifice of our fallen veterans.
Guest Speaker Shane Barker said ordinary human beings did extraordinary things in our wars, noting that over one million men and woman have died for our country.
The different branches of military service were represented at today’s service, which included patriotic songs by Susan Parker; ‘Amazing Grace’ on the bagpipes by Ed Smith; Laying of the Wreaths at the Veterans’ Monument on the courthouse lawn; a mock military funeral; marching of the colors by the Tennessee State Guard.
Chaplin Timothy Hargett of the State Guard paid homage to Medal of Honor winner Douglas Munro, a pilot for the Coast Guard who saved 500 Marines who were cut off during the battle of Guadalcanal in World War II.
A little glitch didn’t stop Susan Parker from doing a great job singing patriotic songs. At one point, her background music to “God Bless The USA” stopped, but the crowd started singing right along with her to the end of the song.
Photo: Susan Parker sings patriotic songs. Shannon McFarlin photo.