At least 100 or more individuals gathered on a hot, clear day at Veterans Park for the annual Memorial Day event. Center Township Trustee Kevin Evans, who gave the Memorial Day Address, was asked what that meant to him.
“It was just an honor to recognize our current military, our past military veterans that have passed away and our current military veterans who are here and are no longer in the service,” said Evans.
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.
Evans was asked if he thought the meaning of Memorial Day had decreased over the years.
“You look around and we have all different ages here which tells me that it’s reaching down to kids, to parents and all the way up to the grandparents and current military veterans,” said Evans. “We have a great turnout here today. I don’t think in the community of Frankfort that we have lost the meaning of Memorial Day. I think it shows it’s very much appreciated here.”
Mel Betts was the Master of Ceremonies for the event. Rev. Kelly Kurth of the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church gave the invocation and benediction, Boy Scout Troop 336 of Mulberry gave the Pledge of Allegiance, Millard See did a reading, Logan and Kayla Tillman sang the Star-Spangled Banner, there was a wreath setting ceremony on the mounds at the park, Marine Corps League #967 did the 21-gun salute and Past Commander of American Legion Post 12 Larry McBee played Taps.