For many years, the annual Memorial Day celebration has been held at Veterans Park in downtown Frankfort. However, a fire next to the park on January 22 forced a venue change to the south side of the Clinton County Courthouse.
“I think it should be here on Memorial Day,” said Clinton County Veterans Affairs Officer Joe Root. “I think the Memorial was put here to honor our veterans and it should be here. That’s just my opinion.”
Around 150 to 200 people came to the annual Memorial Day event on Monday.
“I think it’s a great thing that our residents of Clinton County and Frankfort do to honor our veterans on a daily basis and not just one day a year,” said Root. “It’s so great to see the turnout today. That should give us a good idea of how the people feel about coming out.”
Following the ceremony, a sizable group received a police escort to the Morrison Street Bridge where a ceremony honoring sailors and marines buried at sea was held.
Past Commander of American Legion Post 12 Mel Betts was the Master of Ceremonies for the event. Ken Rushing of New Life Assembly of God gave the invocation; Boy Scout Troop 336 of Mulberry gave the Pledge of Allegiance; Millard See did a reading; American Legion Auxiliary Unit #12 President Opal Bower did Flanders Field; Jackie Clements sang the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ and ‘God Bless the USA’; Retired Army Sergeant Major Joseph Oyler gave the Memorial Day address; there was a wreath setting ceremony in the middle of the flags at the Courthouse; Marine Corps League #967 did the 21-gun salute; Past Commander of American Legion Post 12 Larry McBee played Taps; and Father Chris Miller of St. Mary’s Catholic Church gave the benediction.