Around 150 to 200 people gathered in front of the Clinton County Courthouse Monday morning to take part in the annual Memorial Day services.
“We’re all here, we’re alive and going about our business because people fought for us,” said Shoemaker. “The government didn’t do this for us. The military fought for us to give us the government we have.”
Following the ceremony, a sizable crowd walked down to the Clinton Street Bridge where a ceremony honoring sailors and marines buried at sea was held.
“Some of the rockets in Israel and Palestine and the fear that those people constantly live in. Memorial Day to me means we don’t have to,” said Shoemaker. “We were out here and other than the semis we didn’t have to worry about any other dangers.”
Past Commander of American Legion Post 12 Mel Betts was the Master of Ceremonies for the event. Wesley Manor Director Fred Taylor gave the invocation and benediction; Boy Scout Troop 337 of Rossville gave the Pledge of Allegiance; Millard See did a reading; VFW Auxiliary President Kathy Shelley did Flanders Field; Frankfort Police Chief Scott Shoemaker gave the Memorial Day address; Jacque Clements sang the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’; there was a wreath ceremony; Marine Corps League #967 did the 21-gun salute, Past Commander of American Legion Post 12 Larry McBee played Taps; and Kyle Miller, Second Vice Commander of SAL, did the Echo.
Ken Hartman, Patty Keaton Parks, Erick Dircks and Anna Emery were at the event today and links are below to view photos by all.
Photos by Patty Keaton Parks Facebook view here
Non FB users view Pattys photos here
Photos by Anna Emery view here FB