'Day of Remembrance'

Scott Hagerman, Messenger-Inquirer, Owensboro, Ky.
·2 min read

A light breeze swept across a sun-splashed Owensboro Memorial Gardens cemetery on Saturday afternoon, causing hundreds of small American flags to flap softly during Glenn Family Services’ 26th “A Day of Remembrance” Field of Honor service.

The annual Memorial Day weekend service drew a large crowd of elected officials, veterans and area residents.

More than 1,800 veterans are buried at Memorial Gardens, representing all but one branch of the U.S. armed forces.

“You are here to honor the memory of those close to you, who’ve gone before us,” said Glenn Taylor, Sr., president of Glenn Family Services, during his opening remarks. “Those who were cherished parts of your life, those who were comrades, those who served their country honorably, and by their service helped assure our right to gather here today.”

The Community Band and the Daviess County High School Alumni Ensemble provided patriotic music, and Clint Campbell performed “America, The Beautiful” and “American Soldier.”

Hancock County native Tyler Russellburg was the keynote speaker. Russellburg served in the U.S. Army and was part of the renowned Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne. He was deployed to Iraq from 2007-09.

“This is a time we reflect on all of the service men and women that have lost (their lives) in battle defending this great country that we live in today,” he said. “We sometimes take for granted the little victories that we have won, giving us the biggest thing we have built this country on — freedom.

“The message stays the same. We will remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and honor them in everything we do. We live our life because they gave theirs.”

Russellburg spoke about almost every family having someone who has served in the military, and remembered those who paid the ultimate price for freedom.

“There have been over 1,000,00 deaths to (U.S.) service members while serving in a combat zone,” he said. “How many precious lives were taken too soon for our freedom?

“But because of you, we get the opportunity to share what Memorial Day means to us and to give honor to the heroes who have made us who we are.”

Following Russelburg’s address, a wreath laying ceremony was held, followed by the VFW Post 696 Honor Guard presenting a 21-gun salute and Mary Lou Goodsell playing “Taps” as doves were released.

The ceremony closed with The Community Band playing the “Armed Forces Medley” and bagpiper Karen Brumley performing “Amazing Grace.”