2026 Memorial Day Ceremony ~ "We Remember"

Waynesboro American Legion Post 130 held the annual Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at the old courthouse/Wayne County Administrative Building on Memorial Day, Monday, June 25th, 2026.

The ceremony began at 10:45 a.m. with an invocation offered by Post 130 Chaplain, Lee Porter. Under the direction of Ms. Maria Pulley, the Summer Volunteer Ensemble, made up of band students from Wayne Conty High School and Waynesboro Middle School, honored the military by playing the service hymns for each branch. As the hymns were played, current and prior members of each branch stood and were recognized.

Commander Tony Bowling of Sons of the American Legion, Squadron 130, led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. The National Anthem was played by the Summer Volunteer Ensemble.

Presentations were provided by Ms. Dean Stegall, Wayne County Chapter Charter Member, Daughters of the American Revolution; Mr. Thomas Butler, Commander, Collinwood American Legion Post 254; and Ms. Jaden Pulley, President, American Legion Auxiliary Post 130.

Ms. Paula “Sunny” Barnhart, U.S. Marines, read a list of Wayne County veterans that had passed away since Memorial Day 2025.

Commander Ronald Pulley, Waynesboro American Legion Post 130, provided a short history of Pearl Harbor survivor Donald Warren, who donated his 1948 Jeep to Post 130. The restored Jeep was on display at the courthouse on Memorial Day.

Closing activities included placement of the Memorial Day Wreath by Jaden Pulley, followed by a 21-Gun Salute and Raising of the Colors by Post 254 Honor Guard. “Taps” was played as the closing activities were carried out.

Chaplain Lee Porter, Post 130, gave the closing benediction prayer.

The Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony ended with this quote: “Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it. God Bless our troops, and God Bless America.”