As Memorial Day approaches, Owensboro will host a series of events honoring those who gave their lives in service to the country. From flag ceremonies and remembrance walks to the reading of fallen veterans’ names, local groups are inviting the community to join in commemorating the ultimate sacrifices made by military members. Here’s a list of some of the events.
If your organization is hosting a Memorial Day event that is not listed below, please email us the details here.
Owensboro Memorial Gardens flag placement and remembrance program
Owensboro Memorial Gardens will begin its Memorial Day observance with a flag placement event at 9 a.m. on May 20. Volunteers are invited to help place 1,925 flags on the graves of veterans. Refreshments will be provided. In the event of rain, the event will move to May 21 at the same time.
The 27th Day of Remembrance Program will follow on at 2 p.m. on May 24. Highlights will include speaker Gary Jarboe, a performance by musician Dustin Taylor, a salute by the VFW 696 Honor Guard, music from the community band, and a dove release.
Both events will include a food drive, and attendees are encouraged to bring donations.
“It’s fantastic that in our community, people see Memorial Day as more than just a holiday,” said Glenn Taylor Jr. with Glenn Family Services, which puts on the events. “They see it as a reminder of the cost of freedoms that we enjoy and that we can kind of come together in gratitude and remembrance of those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”
Greenwood Cemetery remembrance service
The 26th annual Memorial Day service will take place at 10 a.m. on May 24 Greenwood Cemetery, Owensboro’s historic Black cemetery and the final resting place for veterans of the Civil War, World War I, and World War II.
Victor Hollowell, who visited every Civil War historical marker in all 120 Kentucky counties, will serve as the guest speaker.
“It’s really important to me that we honor those who sacrificed their life for this country, whether it be in World War I or World War Two or the Civil War,” said Michael Johnson, an organizer of the event. “Because they gave their lives to protect and serve the country, and they wanted us to continue with our freedoms.”
Walk to Remember
The Walk to Remember will begin at 7 a.m. on May 26 in front of the Owensboro Convention Center. A massive 40-by-60-foot flag will be carried along Veterans Boulevard to the Gold Star Memorial near the RiverPark Center.
The walk will be followed by a brief ceremony, which includes the National Anthem, “Taps,” and a ceremonial folding of the flag.
“The flag takes about 100 people to carry, so we would love to have people come and, if there are more than 100, they could walk behind and carry flags and things of that nature,” said Gold Star Mother and event organizer Cathy Mullins. “It’s just a really good way for families to get together and remember Memorial Day. And then we encourage everyone to go ahead and celebrate that day with their family, remember and honor, because there is also a bit of a celebration to it as well — to be together and celebrate that freedom that we now have.”
Walk for the Fallen
Veterans Empowered Together will host the Walk for the Fallen beginning at 8 a.m. in front of the Owensboro Convention Center. A flag will be carried to the Shelton Memorial, followed by an opening prayer and remarks before the full walk.
Participants can choose between an 11-mile walk or a shorter 1.5-mile route.
“This means a lot to me because it just shows that everyone cares, supports, and comes together to remember all the ones that did their service and the ones that didn’t make it home,” said Scott Wallis, a member of V.E.T.
Memorial Day name reading service
The Daviess County Veterans Organization will hold its annual Memorial Day service at 11 a.m. on May 26 at the Owensboro Sportscenter.
Judge/Executive Charlie Castlen and Laura Marsh will read the names of local veterans who have died over the past year. As each name is read, a white rose will be placed on the monument at the Sportscenter.
“Last year we lost over 200 veterans. It looked like it snowed up there on the monument by the time we got through everyone,” said Jessie Hettinger, vice president of the Owensboro-Daviess County Veterans Organization. “We are hoping to get the word out to each of the family members who have lost a loved one so that they can be the one to place the rose on the monument in memory of them.”
