Memorial Day - Honoring our Fallen Soldiers

The phrase Memorial Day tends to bring thoughts of cookouts, grilled hotdogs, and sunny weather to the minds of many Americans, and with good reason. Often regarded as the semi-official start of summer, this holiday makes for an enjoyable long weekend to savor the start of the warm season from coast to coast. Many people are also keenly aware of the deeper, more emotional basis for the holiday: the recognition and remembrance of the men and women of the military who perished in the defense of our nation and its ideals. It’s as important today as it has ever been to understand just why America has such a holiday and what it really means.

This most sacred of military holidays is an occasion of complex emotions, of somber recollections, and fond memories for those who have lost a loved one, relative, or comrade in defense of the United States. Some see it as a day to honor the sacrifice of so many by enjoying the fruits of living in a country they died to keep free. Others prefer to observe it with solemn reflection, so we never forget the terrible price many men and women paid on behalf of the American ideals.

However you choose to commemorate Memorial Day, be it with mournful reflection, hotdogs and happiness, or a mix of both, we ask that you do so to honor the memory of those who, in the words of President Abraham Lincoln, never forget those who “gave the last full measure of devotion.”

The Waynesboro and Collinwood Posts of the American Legion will partner together to present their annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26th, 2025. The ceremony will be held once again on the Waynesboro square at the flagpole and monument on the southwest corner of the Wayne County Administrative Building, beginning at 10:00 a.m. There will be special speakers, a 21-Gun Salute from the Collinwood Honor Guard, the playing of Taps, and the raising of the American flag. Everyone is invited to join the American Legion in honoring Wayne County’s fallen soldiers.

Following is a listing of all known Wayne County soldiers killed while defending our country and our freedom:

World War I

Bailey, Jessie

Barnes, Luke

Burlson, Sherl

Camper, David R.

Culp, Charlie

Farris, Arthur D.

Gilchrist, Luther F.

Johnson, Lulie A.

Lay, Johnnie

Lynn, Ray

Ray, Jim

Richardson, Kennie

Ricketts, Frank

Sims, Lyford

Skelton, Dollie

Smith, Andrew

Springer, Ernest (colored)

Stribling, Ray

Surratt, Oscar

Tidwell, Henry R.

Toon, Clyde

World War II

Adams, Homer F.

Alley, Oliver E. Jr.

Boyd, Alvin W.

Boyd, Willard

Bunch, Robert L.

Carter, Harvel C.

Chambers, William A.

Collins, Marvin B.

Cooper, Charles E.

Corlew, Woodrow B.

Craig, James J.

Darby, Carl E.

Davis, Jessie V.

Dixon, Earl L.

Dodd, James E.

Eaton, Hobert Jr.

Gillis, James C.

Hamilton, J.W.

Helton, Leon

Hendrix, Carl R.

Horton, Fred L.

Jackson, Lawrence A.

Kelly, Freelon

Kelso, J.D.

Lynch, Hughes

Lynn, Herschel D.

Matheny, Elvin

Mathis, Obie L.

Moore, Claude

Morrow, Edward C.

Pevahouse, Joseph R.

Prince, Samuel J.

Pulley, Gavin

Rainey, Leonard

Ray, Ben

Shann, Paul

Shelby, Leonard W.

Stevens, Isaac B. Jr

Vickery, James F. Jr

Vickery, Dearl A.

Williams, Dumont G.

Woods, William F.

Korean War

Alley, Wilmer L.

Hicks, Vester Jr.

Stooksberry, Harvel

Pulley, Jessie E.

Vietnam War

Horton, Donnie E.

Rost, Leroy A.

Seiber, David Andrew

Stults, Jerry

Brown, David

Quillen, Earl Thomas