Kosciusko and area residents joined the nation on Monday to honor veterans.
More than 200 burial flags flying at Parkway Cemetery Monday morning set the stage for the tribute paid during the annual Aisle of Honor Memorial Day program.
The program, sponsored by United Veterans of Attala County, paid tribute to those deceased veterans whose honor, courage and sacrifice helped preserve the freedoms enjoyed today.
Guest speaker was Col. (Retired) James R., Proctor Jr., Physical Plant Director for the new North Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Kilmichael, which is scheduled to be ready for use in March 2017.
In his address, Proctor gave a brief history of Memorial Day that began as Decoration Day following the Civil War. He cited the event as a time to honor and remember those who have died since that time.
Proctor urged respect of veterans, never failing to thank them for their service, and expressing appreciation to those who continue to serve to ensure freedom. “Veterans have a story to tell. You mention their service and they will tell you more than you needed to know,” he said.
Proctor concluded his address with II Timothy 4:7. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Prior to the address by Proctor, a group of veterans marched with the Mississippi Army National Guard Honor Guard from the cemetery to the pavilion on the cemetery grounds.
Included in the group of veterans were several residents of the Martha Jo Leslie Veterans Home in Kosciusko.
Other taking part on the program James Culpepper, (retired) United States Air Force; Hayes Leonard, who led the Pledge of Allegiance; Sara McCafferty, who sang the National Anthem; James Foster, who introduced guests; prayers by Allen Fletcher.
