Honor the fallen Monday

American Legion Post 197 will celebrate Memorial Day on the courthouse square Monday, May 28 at 12 noon in honor of fallen soldiers throughout U.S. history. According to Post 197 Commander Bill Payton, the ceremony will be less than an hour long and include a tribute to soldiers who were Missing In Action and Prisoners Of War. ’Our country at this time has completely voluntary armed services ‘“ Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard ‘“ these men and women volunteer to protect our country,’ Payton said. ‘They need all our support. They need to know we’ll support them when they come back, support them while they’re gone and support their families if they don’t return.’Payton encouraged every citizen to attend a Memorial Day ceremony to show appreciation for the sacrifices made by so many. American Legion chaplain Ben Maxedon said this year’s event will be a little different from last years. ’Last year we honored all the fallen soldiers from Pike County in what is called A Post Everlasting,’ said Maxedon. ‘This year we will honor all MIAs and POWs. The American Legion has a ceremony where we set up a table with different symbolic items and then explain what each item represents. Sr. Vice Commander of American Legion Post 197 Dan Kiser will present a special reading for the occasion. At exactly 12 noon, Sgt. in Arms Robert Huckaby will raise the flag to begin the ceremony. Participants are asked to bring a chair if needed, though some chairs will be provided.In case of inclement weather, the Memorial Day Ceremony will be moved to the First Baptist Church of Zebulon diagonally across Highway 19 from the Pike County Veterans Monument.