Wayne County Honors the Fallen

“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.” — Harry S. Truman, 33rd U.S. President, 1945.

Memorial Day, the last Monday of May, honors fallen service members of the U.S. military. While most know Memorial Day is a day of remembrance, many don’t know its exact history, importance, or how to properly pay tribute. Members of the Collinwood American Legion Honor Guard gathered on this Memorial Day, as they have for many years, on the square in Waynesboro to honor our fallen soldiers with a special ceremony and 21-gun salute.

Ms. Paula “Sunny” Barnhart, a veteran herself, joined in the special Memorial Day ceremony on Monday. Ms. Sunny read the names of Wayne County veterans who passed away during the twelve months since last Memorial Day.

Wayne County High School Band Director Maria Pulley proudly participated in Monday’s Memorial Day Ceremony by playing Taps on the trumpet and singing a beautiful rendition of America the Beautiful.

A wreath was placed on the monument at the Veterans’ Memorial at the former courthouse in Waynesboro. The monument, with the American flag standing tall and proud behind it, lists the names of Wayne County service members who wee killed during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.