By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Under the blue, mid morning sky, surrounded by the vibrantly green grass of the Glasgow Municipal Cemetery, veterans, families and community members gathered for the annual Memorial Day Program.
Memorial Day, which was originally Decoration Day, is observed annually on the last Monday on May to honor and remember those who in President Abraham Lincoln’s words “gave the last full measure of devotion” by sacrificing their lives in service of the United States. It was in observance of this day that the cemetery was filled with patriotic songs performed by Glasgow’s community band.
Though the service did not officially begin until 10 a.m. the small roads of the cemetery were lined with cars 30 minutes before. Several notable Glasgow and Barren County community members were present including State Rep. Steve Riley, Barren County Judge-Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd, Glasgow Mayor Henry Royse, retired Command Sergeant Major Phillip Gearlds, Matt Mutter, chairman of the Barren County Veterans Association, and Brigadier General Joe Lear, who has served in a variety of positions in the Kentucky Army National Guard and deployed in numerous overseas missions.
After members of the Freedom Warriors raised the flag, and Ernie Wagoner with the veteran organization gave the invocation, Mutter, who was previously seated on the concrete amphitheater, took the podium to welcome all those in attendance.
“For many Americans the last Monday in May marks the unofficial start of summer,” Mutter said. “It’s a three day weekend for most to spent at the lake or [at] barbeques but for those who served…Memorial Day holds a greater significance because it commemorates the brave men and women who lost their lives defending our nation…To truly honor our fallen heroes we must share their stories with others so that their memories live on even though they’re gone. No matter where their battles were…the stories of the fallen matter and they need to be told. On Memorial Day we share and reflect on the stories of our fallen loved ones.”
Each person on the dias spoke in succession with each remarking on the day’s importance. Afterwards the band played each branch’s song and Mutter asked those who served to stand, or wave, and be recognized when their song was played.
As the music faded with the applause Mutter turned the podium over to Gearlds who introduced Lear, the guest speaker for the 45-minute program.
“We stand here not only to remember [those who died] but also to express our deepest gratitude for their courage, commitment and sacrifice,” Lear said. “Our nation’s military has always heeded the call from the battlefield of the Revolutionary War to the mountains of Afghanistan and the deserts of Iraq. We have defended freedom, protected our way of life and insured the safety and security of our country and its citizens…On this Memorial Day we remember those who never made it home; whose names are etched in stone on memorials across the country and whose memory lives on in the hearts of their family, friends and those they served alongside.”
While he spoke about Memorial Day and its purpose, he also spoke specifically about the National Guard and mentioned the names of the five Kentucky guardsmen who were added to the Kentucky National Guard Memorial.
Towards the end of his remarks he also spoke about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs estimates appears in at least 7 percent of veterans — a percentage point higher than civilians who experience PTSD — though the estimates vary depending on the study.
“As veterans we also face memories of combat that affects each soldier and airman differently,” Lear said. “Many of us have lost comrades well after combat was over to the disease of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. We have learned from our past how we must care for each other not only during combat operations but after as well…As we honor the fallen let us also remember the wounded warriors who have returned home; their bodies and minds scarred and their lives forever changed. Let us insure they receive the care, support and respect they deserve.”
As is typical of this annual program Mutter presented two individuals with the “Patriot Award,” which “is given each year to a person [or persons] who have, in some distinguished manner, made a unique contribution to the city, county, state or nation.” This year’s awards went to Jean Lyle and Angelia Pickett Chirichigno.
As Robbie Fudge played that somber melody of Taps, and the Freedom Warriors fired three volleys, a wreath was placed before the commemorative monolith besides the amphitheater.
Before, and during, the memorial service the community band, directed by Robbie Fudge, played a multitude of patriotic musical songs including A Song of Hope, Hymn to the Fallen, the National Anthem and each branch’s song – during which each person in attendance who served in said branch stood and was recognized. Michael Crimmins/Glasgow News 1.
Members of the Freedom Warriors Veteran Organization served as the honor guard during the service; raising the flags that were then lowered to half staff again. Michael Crimmins/Glasgow News 1.
The event began at 10 a.m. on May 27 but 30 minutes before the small roads of the municipal cemetery was lined with cars filled with veterans, families and community members. Members of the Freedom Warriors were in attendance as was State Representative Steve Riley, Barren County Judge-Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd, Glasgow Mayor Henry Royse and Matt Mutter with the Barren County Veterans Association. Michael Crimmins/Glasgow News 1.
Brigadier General Joe Lear, who currently works and resides in Bardstown, (left) served as the “keynote” speaker for the 45-minute service. Seated is Matt Mutter with the Barren County veterans association who organized, with help from others, the event. Michael Crimmins/Glasgow News 1.
Two “Patriot Awards” were given during the service. The award “is given each year to persons who have…made a unique contribution” to the city, county, state or country. This year the awards were given to Jean Lyle (Photoed) and Angela Pickett Chirichigno. Michael Crimmins/Glasgow News 1.
Members of the Freedom Warriors performed a 21 gun salute as Taps was played and a wreath laid. Michael Crimmins/Glasgow News 1.
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