Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Park

While American’s often acknowledge their service men and women with salutes, discounts, “thank yous” as they pass by men and women in uniform, and days marked to honor those in uniform or those who have hung theirs up for the last time, the last Monday in May is set aside to pay tribute to those who never had the opportunity to hang up their uniform one last time: those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, those who died in service to the United States of America.

The White County Veterans Services Office, along with American Legion Post 99, has created the tradition of gathering in the Rotary Club’s Veterans Park, on the corner of North Main Street and Bockman Way, each Memorial Day to pay tribute to those White County natives who never came home.

This year’s service was led by United States Air Force veteran Colleen Sandall who announced each guest speaker as well as those who would read the names of those White County military men and women who never came home.

State Representative Paul Sherrell was present to address the crowd and remind them that the purpose of the day was to honor and appreciate those who died in service. Sherrell also said he wanted to thank those military personnel who are still active and make it possible for Americans to be able to safely gather so they can honor those whose service cost them the most.

Sparta Mayor Jeff Young was also in attendance and asked the crowd to look around the Veterans Park and think about what the names on the wall meant - those who had returned as well as those who didn’t. He encouraged the group that was gathered in Veterans Park to think about the sacrifices that were made by those men and women.

“It is the least we can do to remember them and honor them today,” Young said about those who gave their lives for their country.

After the speakers finished, the name of each White County serviceperson who lost their life fighting for freedom was read, and, after each name, Capt. Jessie Buttrum, of Sparta Fire Department, sounded one tone on a bell in honor and remembrance of them.

Hayley Worthy and Cameron Lacasse, of Girl Scout Troop 1101, read the names of those who lost their lives in World War I and the Korean War. White County High School JROTC cadets McKenzie Tuck, Camron Menard, Jayden Keith, Joseph Redmon, Erick Johnson, and Zachary Isabell read the names of the White County men who didn’t return from World War II. Phil Roberts, a member of American Legion Post 99, finished the list by calling off the names of those men who lost their lives in Vietnam.

After the final name had been read and the final bell had ben rung, Jerry Buttrum performed taps while the crowd stood in reverenced silence.

During the program, Gene Hodge, a Vietnam veteran and Sparta native, performed a musical tribute; Walter Buttrum, chaplain for American Legion Post 99 and an Air Force veteran, offered a prayer for peace; the Knights of Columbus posted the American flag; and Amber Simmons, a member of Girl Scout Troop 1101, led the congregation in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.