Published: May 26, 2009 11:01 am      

Observing Memorial Day

Retired KYNG adjutant general speaks at Memorial Day observance

By Carl Keith Greene / Staff Writer

London Mayor Troy Rudder recalled his father’s service in the South Pacific during World War II as he welcomed those assembled for the city and county’s Memorial Day observance.

He noted that not only was his father a hero in volunteering to make the world safe for democracy, but so are all those men and women remembered on the courthouse military memorial, who, he said, “stood out and said, ‘This country is worth it. I’ll go. I’ll fight. I’ll do whatever I have to do to defend it.’”

An invocation was presented by First District Magistrate Roy Crawford, the colors were posted by the Laurel County Fire Alliance’s honor guard, 6-year-old Nancy Jane Jackson sang the National Anthem, allegiance to the flag was pledged and retired Kentucky National Guard Adjutant General Donald Storm, a Laurel County native, was introduced for the main address.

“We honor those who died in our nation’s wars,” he began.

“They go to war and come home in coffins, buried beneath markers and monuments. They lay to rest in foreign lands, buried beneath the very soil on which they fought.”

They gave their lives for freedom, he said.

They were among the Americans who have served, and are serving, in all corners of the globe.

“The nation stops today to remember all of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve and protect the American way of life, and America’s freedoms, principles and values,” Storm continued.

“Our freedoms were paid for with American lives. America’s collective consciousness demands that all citizens recall the deaths of their fellow countrymen in wartime.”

He said all of the nations’ heroes and patriots have one thing in common, the love of life and liberty and loyalty to the United States of America and Americans, and for free people around the world.

“Today we remember the loss of loved ones,” he said. “Those who made this sacrifice have supported the values of God, family and country.”

Storm said, “Today we gather here to remember Americans who have lost their lives in 85 different wars over the past 233 years of history. The greatest country on the face of the Earth is doing good for the world. It is a force for good.”

“Be proud, hold your head up high. Be proud of your history and our contribution to mankind,” he concluded.

The audience of maybe 200 was dismissed after a benediction from Crawford.