Published: July 02, 2009 08:30 am      

Some Gave All

London motorcycle rally honors fallen soldiers

By Carl Keith Greene / Staff Writer

Sgt. 1st Class Lance Cornett, Staff Sgt. Christopher N. Hamlin, Lance Cpl. Thomas Reilly Jr., all of London, Cpl. Gary Coleman of Pikeville, Lance Cpl. Jonathan Thornsberry of McDowell, Sgt. 1st Class James Hoffman of Whitesburg, Staff Sgt. Delmar White of Wallins, Sgt. David Cooper of Williamsburg, PFC Joshuah Titcomb of Somerset, and Lance Cpl. Chadwick Gilliam of Mayking.

Those were the fighting men among those Kentuckians who gave all in the Middle East conflicts and were honored Wednesday at the Some Gave All motorcycle rally in downtown London.

It was one of 10 stops to be made in the state before Independence Day.

More than 200 people gathered at 4 p.m. on the steps of the Laurel County Courthouse as local leaders honored those who have given their lives in the most recent battles to preserve freedom.

With U.S. Flags on the stage of the event and borne by the color guard of the local National Guard unit, the group pledged allegiance, and sang The Star-Spangled Banner and My Old Kentucky Home.

National Guard Colonel Steve Robinson acted as master of ceremonies.

“It’s fitting that we take this time out in our preparation for our Fourth of July celebration, the celebration of our freedom to take these moments to respect the people that gave us that freedom,” Mayor Troy Rudder said in his brief welcome.

Laurel Judge-Executive Lawrence Kuhl in his welcoming said, “We appreciate the effort and the leadership that has been provided by Dwight Lewis and Steve Robinson in putting this event together to make the public aware of the sacrifices that have been given by those who have given their lives to protect our freedoms that we all cherish and enjoy today.”

State Senator Tom Jensen said, “As we think about today and head for the Fourth of July, I’d like to remember all our military forces, both past and present, who sacrificed so much ... We must always remember and never forget the sacrifices that were made by all.”

The presentations were concluded by Maj. Gen. Don Storm, a Laurel Countian who recently retired as Kentucky’s 51st adjutant general.

Noting the former and current soldiers in the audience, Storm said, “Some are retired, most are still actively serving. Most represent the difference in America, the country that we don’t have to be ashamed of.” He noted the sacrifices by Americans not only for American freedom, but for freedom in countries around the world.

“It’s an honor to be here among those who represent loyalty, duty, respect, selflessness, integrity and personal courage.” He said he was honored to be among those who have seen their family members make the extreme sacrifice for the freedom and liberty of this nation.

Following Storm’s presentation, Purple Hearts were distributed to family members of those being remembered with the rally.

Also a Kentucky State Flag and a Kentucky Colonel Commission was presented to each family.

Money raised by the rallies will be used to provide scholarships for children of soldiers who were recognized in London and Richmond and at the next eight stops of the rally.