BEDFORD – An event was held outside of the Lawrence County Courthouse Monday morning to commemorate Memorial Day, which honors those who lost their life serving in the United States military.
Organized by Brad Bough, Lawrence County Veterans Affairs Officer, the event had speakers such as Lawrence County Commissioner Rodney Fish, Bedford Fire Department Chief and former U.S. Navy veteran John Hughes, as well as prayers from Jason Filler, pastor at Bedford First Baptist Church.
Fish was the first to speak, making note of who he and others were there to honor.
“It’s an emotional time for me to be here. I appreciate all of those that are in attendance. I was supposed to read off a list of elected officers, important people, but folks the really important people are the ones we’re here to honor today, not us,” Fish said. “I apologize if anyone feels slighted because of that but we’re here to honor those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.”
Next, an opening prayer was said by Filler which discussed the importance of the sacrifice made by fallen soldiers.
“Dear heavenly father, we thank you for the freedom that you have given to us. For the price that was paid by Jesus Christ, so that we may live free. We do remember today the cost of it all, the great sacrifice for freedom. We thank you for the brave men and women who have fought, those who continue to fight so courageously for our nation. We ask for your covering and blessing over them and their families and we pray that you would be gracious and encircle them with your peace. We pray for your great favor to be evident in their lives. Please be with all those who wear the uniform, who serve our communities and nation every single day,” he said.
After a 21-gun salute and performance of TAPS by the American Legion Post 33 Color Guard, as well as a performance of Star Spangled Banner and Memorial Music provided by Bedford North Lawrence Music Director Luke Hayden, Hughes took to the podium for his words.
He thanked veterans in attendance for their service before discussing his own experience in the Navy.
Hughes said he served four years from 1987-1991, first being stationed at Lakehurst, New Jersey after boot camp. He went on to be stationed aboard the USS Forrestal CV-59, where took part in three overseas tours before his honorable discharge in April of 1991 when he began his career with the fire department.
“I’m very proud of my four years of military service to the greatest country in the world.,” he said. “In closing, I would like to say it has been an honor to serve my country and the city of Bedford. Thank you all. Please have a nice and safe Memorial Day,” he added to close his speech.
Filler then made his way to the podium again with final remarks to close the event.
“Today, we honor the chosen men and women of the greatest country in the world. Today, we honor those who fought for our freedom,” he said. “Today we remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice by giving up their lives. And, I pray today that Memorial Day, much like the name of the lord, will be remembered from generation to generation, never forgotten.”
