By Betsy Finklea
The solemn occasion of Memorial Day was observed with a program of those who lost their lives in service to our country.
Dillon County Veterans of the Year Organization Commander Thom Thompson (USAF veteran) led the ceremonies. He said Memorial Day was a time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. The Dillon High School JROTC posted the colors.
Raney Coleman, a class of 2023 Girls State Delegate, sang God Bless America and the National Anthem. This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Rev. Roscoe Oxendine of Melody Land Faith Chapel gave the invocation. Commander Thompson introduced the guest speaker, Army Major Rodney Bunyan, the Senior Army Instructor of the DHS JROTIC. He said it was our obligation to never forget those who lost their lives for our country and to honor these people not only on Memorial Day, but every day.
The names of the deceased veterans since last year’s ceremony were read by MG James E. Lockemy while Veteran Levern Hayes tolled the bell. The names were:
May 2023-Alex M. Cottingham, Ralph W. Schwatka, and Hugh C. Finklea
June 2023-Lester Pullie, Delton McKenzie, and Ernest W. Miller
July 2023-Dennis Gates, Kimberly Pearson, Martin Jackson, Johnny R. Huggins, and Dennis Owens
August 2023-Thomas Lane, Charles Reaves, Larry C. Alford, Leneau Johnson, Thomas E. Pittman, James L. Bethea, William Garner, and James L. Chavis
September 2023-Harry Rownd, Howard M. Matthews, Jaime Huggins, Jerry O. Douglas, and James McInnis
October 2023-Robert E. Tanner, Robert L. Carmichael, Daniel Hamer, and Jimmy L. Davis
November 2023-Alvin Gooden, Sr., Ernest Oliver, Joel D. Hopkins, Sr., Curtis L. Poston, Gary E. Vaughn, Jerry M. Lupo, Rodney H. Collingsworth, Carl Daniels, Archie M. Gerald, sr., Robert Roquemer, Jr., and Wilmer E. Lee
December 2023-Johnnie L. Alford, Sr., Terry L. Davis, Sr., and Alfred H. Gasque
January 2024-Livingston J. Ivey, Xavier Smith, Leslie McKenzie, Oscar M. Carter, and James H. Rogers
February 2024-Edward Edwards, Cecil Rogers, Ronnie T. Harper, and Terry L. Harley
March 2024-Dana A. Bethea, Frank R. Ellerbe, Willie Robinson, and Watson R. Miller
April 2024-Roy Page, Jennie P. McKenzie, Hans C. Mullinax, and Billy G. Bass
May 2024-William Payton, Jerry Blum, John W. Hulon, Brandon K. Moultrie
A wreath honoring the war dead was placed by Dillon County Councilman Stevie Grice and Dillon Mayor Tally McColl assisted by USAF Veteran Lloyd Brown. TAPS was then played by Jayden DeWayne Campbell, a DHS student.
A presentation was made to the family of the Distinguished Deceased Veteran of the Year, Vernon “Bo” Lane, by MG James E. Lockemy. Past Distinguished Deceased Veterans include 2021-Phillip Bosche Brown, 2022-Anthony Chad Owens, and 2023-A.Z. Britt, Jr.
The flag was raised to full staff. The colors were retired and the benediction was given by Rev. Oxendine.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon County News, LLC
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