Memorial Day services in Donley County were well attended this year with ceremonies in Clarendon and at Rowe Cemetery both drawing about 70 people each on Monday.
The first service at Rowe Cemetery near Hedley was hosted by the Adamson-Lane Post of the American Legion. Will Thompson gave the welcome and history of Memorial Day, and Bright Newhouse delivered the invocation.
Doil Messer draped the ceremonial empty chair reserved for those listed as prisoners of war or missing in action, and Connie DeBord delivered the keynote address, giving special mention to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the raising of the flag on Iwo
Jima.
Jack Moreman discussed the post’s effort to purchase a marker for Aunt Belle Smith, who was a spy for the Confederacy and was the wife of CSA Capt. Nat Smith. Those interested in making a donation to this effort can contact Moreman.
Later at the Donley County War Memorial in Clarendon, the Veterans of Foreign Wars hosted a ceremony that also honored the nation’s fallen heroes.
Larry Capranica opened the service with a prayer, and Bill Houston performed the National Anthem as well as “God Bless the USA.”
District 9 VFW Commander George Hall served as master of ceremonies and also delivered the keynote address. Capranica closed the service by playing “Taps” on the trumpet, and the refreshments were served to those in attendance.
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