Memorial Day Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in McKee, KY

Members of the Jack Welch Chapter #165 D.A.V. were joined by The JCHS JROTC and members of our community at the Veterans' Memorial in McKee, KY on Monday, May 26, 2025, to honor those veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in the line of duty while serving our country.

DAV Commander Shane Morris reminded those in attendance that Memorial Day is meant to be a day to honor those Veterans who lost their lives in the line of duty. This contrasts with "Armed Forces Day" and/or "Veterans Day".

While those who gave the ultimate sacrifice are commemorated on Memorial Day and former military members are recognized on Veterans Day, all current serving US military personnel have their own holiday on "Armed Forces Day."

Armed Forces Day, which is officially on May 15 but celebrated on the third Saturday in May, honors service members across the six branches of the military within the US Department of Defense: the US Army, US Navy, US Marine Corps, US Air Force, the US Coast Guard and the newest branch of service the US Space Force.

The federal "Veterans Day" holiday is held annually on 11 November to honor all US servicemen and women who have been in the forces and were later discharged. It was originally known as Armistice Day, in line with European countries to mark the end of the First World War on 11 November 1918, with the name being changed to Veterans Day in 1954.

Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day) is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. From 1868 to 1970, it was observed on May 30. Since 1970, it has been observed on the last Monday of May. The first national observance of Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1868. Then known as Decoration Day, the holiday was proclaimed by Commander in Chief John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic to honor the Union soldiers who had died in the Civil War. This national observance was preceded by many local ones between the end of the Civil War and Logan's declaration.

Keith Gabbard, PRTC, CEO was the keynote speaker for the event. Mr. Gabbard welcomed those in attendance saying, "On this Memorial Day, we gather not just as individuals, but as one community, united in remembrance, respect, and gratitude. Memorial Day may be marked on the calendar just once a year, but the meaning behind it lives in the freedom we enjoy every day." "As we stand among these memorials, we remember that freedom is not free. It has been paid for with courage, devotion, and sacrifice."

Mr. Gabbard offered reflection with a quote from President Ronald Reagan, "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on. The day isn't about mourning, but to remember with pride, to say thank you - not only with our actions. We honor the fallen by living lives that uphold the values they died for: liberty, service, and unity."

Mr. Gabbard reflected that every name honored on the Memorial walls tells an individual story. A child of a proud family. A friend and a hero who believed this country was worth defending - and proved it with their life. Gabbard then offered a Biblical verse to underscore the sanctity of sacrifice. John 15:13 - The words of Jesus Christ: "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." Mr. Gabbard said, "So today, as the wind stirs our flags and Taps echoes through the hills of Jackson County, we make a promise: To Remember, To Honor, and To Live in a way that is worthy of their sacrifice.

The event was marked with Mr. Gabbard assisting Josh Holstein, a member of the JROTC,  with the "laying of the wreath" to commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
As part of the Jackson County Veterans Memorial, a deeply respectful moment was observed. Panels listing the names of those Jackson Countians that gave their lives in the service of country beginning with the Civil War were read aloud. DAV member Mike Montgomery read those names, each one a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of these individuals. This was a poignant way to keep their memories alive on a day meant to honor them. The names included:

Civil War: Caswell Amyx, John Clark Bullock, Charles F. Culton, Thomas Jefferson Engle, Thomas B. Gabbard, Green B. Harrison, Jasper Isaacs, Pearson Murphy, Levi Pennington, David H. Steward, Elijah Steward, and Thomas H. Wilson

World War I: Thomas W. Azbill, Junie C. Bowles, John C. Burgin, Clarence E. Chappell, James L. Clemmons, Thurman Dunnagin, Robert Fox, Luther Gabbard, Hubert Hackman, Charles Hamilton, Alfred Harris, John Huff, Henry Hunley, William E. Jones, James F. King, Rolla Malicoat, William McQueen, John Smith, and John E. St. John.

World War II: Marcus Abner, Donald Abrams, Isaac Vernon Adkins, Edward Bowling, Clifton Brewer, Paul Brock, William Carpenter, Russell Cole, Robert Cornett, Jake Cruse, Ottis Cunnigan, Marlin Daugherty, Floyd Durham, Luther J. Farmer, Ray Farmer, Alonzo Fields, McKinley Gabbard, Olen C. Gilbert, Lester Glenn, Rader J. Gross, William Guerra, Woodrow Harrison, James F. Hays, Pat Hays, Oval Hillard, Earl N. Isaacs, Edwin C. Isaacs, Arvel Johnson, Lloyd Kerby, Ernest King, Cloyd G. Lakes, Daniel Lakes, Eugene Lamb, Luther Little, Robert E. McDowell, Russell McDowell, Berton J. McQueen, Homer Moore, Sherman L. Napier, Lester T. Reynolds, Wesley Riley, Charley J. Robertson, Finley O. Robinson, Meridith H. Smith, Jr., Earl Tillery, John S. Witt, Virgil Wright, Vernus Amis, Carl Castle, Donald Collier, Robert Cornett, John Lawson, Stanley Lockard, Obed Noble, Andrew Russell, Chester Ward, and Claude Watts.

Korean War: George Riley, William Singleton, Charles E. Smith, Jesse Tyra, and Jack Welch.

Cold War: Ernie Parrett 

It is noted that while Jackson Countians served in other conflicts, such as the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq, no one serving lost their lives in the line of duty. 
TAPS was played by DAV member Bobby Lakes, who has served to honor hundreds of Veterans during funeral ceremonies across the region. It was announced during the ceremony that this was the last time Mr. Lakes. Thank you, Mr. Lakes, for all your service. 

Thanks to each and every service person and their families for the sacrifices and commitment. However, since it is Memorial Day, we extend our gratitude and remembrance to all those who gave their last measure in fighting for the ideals and freedoms of our country. Just like freedom itself, may you never be taken for granted.