‘Honoring Service and Sacrifices’

‘Honoring Service and Sacrifices’

Memorial Day tribute event Thursday at the Civic Center

ralphhardin@gmail.com Local veterans and their supporters are planning “A Tribute to Our Fallen Heroes” ahead of the upcoming Memorial Day holiday. Thursday, May 24, the West Memphis Civic Center Complex will be the new venue for a memorial service recognizing all service branch members who have passed. The public is invited.

West Memphis City Councilwoman Lorraine Robinson will serve as master of ceremonies. The West Memphis Blue Devils Band will perform the national anthem. State Representative Milton Nicks will provide the invocation, and the Academies of West Memphis Jr. ROTC will post the colors.

Crittenden County Veterans Service Officer Mickey Littlejohn will greet the community, follwed by a series of special presentations, including “What is Memorial Day About” by Patricia Lane, a reading of “Freedom Is Not Free” by Tamara Hood-Cross, and a performance of “God Bless the USA” by West Memphis Fire Chief Wayne Gately.

Special guest speaker Arkansas State of Veterans Affairs Director Nate Todd will deliver a message, and a “Reading of the Names” ceremony will be led by

local VFW Commander Elvin Tate. The “Missing Man” Table will also be on display.

The service will conclude with “Taps” by Tyson Covington and a closing prayer from VFW Chaplain Joe Blakey.

Submitted photo

By Ralph Hardin