News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
White County’s Memorial Day ceremony Monday will honor those from the county who have given their lives in service to the country.
Veterans Museum Curator Sandy Witt said the event will have music performed by Army Veteran and Sparta native Gene Hodge. Witt said there will also be a bell-ringing ceremony for the deceased veterans from White County.
“The girl scouts will be here this year reading off the names of White Countians who were killed in the line of duty or killed in action,” Witt said. “And we start with World War I through Vietnam, and what they do is read each person’s name off, and then the bell is rung in their honor.”
Witt said the event takes place at Metcalf Park next to the American Legion building. The event starts at 10:00am. Witt said Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery will be giving a guest speech.
“He always does a really great talk and we really always enjoy listening to him,” Witt said. “And it is really great to have him help us out each time that he does. So we’re looking forward to hearing his speech this year.”
Witt said the event will move into the American Legion building if the weather does not allow for an outdoor ceremony. She said it is important to remember what Memorial Day is really about.
“Memorial Day is for all of our soldiers who gave the ultimate price for their county,” Witt said. “And we feel that Memorial Day should be more than just picnics and that type of thing, that they should receive that honor and memory every year, and that’s why we work so hard to have this program and ceremony in their honor and in their memory.”
Witt said High School Music Teacher Brad Norris will serve as the audio technician for the event and his daughter, Emma, will be singing the National Anthem.
