It was a cool and breezy Saturday afternoon, but a small crowd still turned out for “A Day of Remembrance” at Owensboro Memorial Gardens to honor the lives of local veterans.
The event has been hosted by Glenn Family Services for more than 20 years.
“These people went and did their duty and came back and went about their lives,” said Chairman Glenn Taylor. “Many of them had fulfilling lives but they ended, and they need to be recognized. They may not have been on the front lines, but they committed themselves to their country and I think that’s worthy of recognition.”
Taylor said after not being able to hold the event last year, it was humbling to be able to bring it back.
“I think it’s particularly meaningful this year since we were denied the opportunity last year. It’s like so many things with the pandemic, there were things we took for granted that we didn’t know how much we’d miss until we didn’t have them.”
Daviess County Sheriff Keith Cain was the featured speaker. His speech was primarily dedicated to those who sacrificed their lives in battle, but he also made special note of the “local heroes” — all the first responders such as emergency response agencies and healthcare workers — for being on the front lines of the pandemic for the last 15 months.
Cain said while Memorial Day can be sorrowful from the memories, it should also be a day to rejoice in the lives of those who fought for the United States.
“Memorial Day is a day in which sorrow mixes with incredible pride,” he said. “We mourn those we’ve lost, and we hold fast to those memories. We take great pride in the lives that they lived, in the service they provided, and in the nation they created, saved and strengthened.”
He added, “Love is why we’re here today, to show our love for the men and women who died showing their love for this great country and to honor their families who share that love even more deeply.”
The Community Band under the direction of Mary Williams, as well as the Daviess County High School Alumni Ensemble directed by Sheila Miller, performed multiple pieces during the event. Gold Star mother Cathy Mullins sang “Veteran’s Hallelujah” and “Flander Field.”
The invocation was given by James Wedding; the VFW Post 696 did a gun salute; Mary Lou Goodsell performed “Taps” on the bugle; Richard Russelburg released doves; and Karen Brumley performed “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes.
