Patriots honored, dedication planned

Sept. 11 is known as Patriot Day in honor of the 2,977 people who were killed in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The American flag is supposed to be flown at half staff at American homes, the White House and at all U.S. government buildings and establishments at home and abroad.A local patriot and Marine who gave his life for his country while serving in Iraq will be honored at an upcoming dedication ceremony. The Pike County board of education and American Legion Post 197 will hold a dedication program Saturday, Sept. 28 at 10 a.m. The program will be held at the alternative school building. In case of bad weather, the program will be held in the gymnasium.Citizens and members of the school board and Post 197 will be dedicating a memorial to fallen hero Lance Corp. J.D. Walker and rededicating the alternative school building as the Pike County Memorial Annex Building.J.D. Walker was a resident of Pike County and graduated from Pike County High School. He joined the Marines and was serving his second tour of duty when he was killed in action in Iraq in 2007.The board of education has decided to provide the Pike County Memorial Annex Building to be used as a general monument for all those in Pike who give the ultimate sacrifice while serving the community. The intent is for the building to house memorials for all of the community’s fallen heroes.The public is invited to attend this dedication as a hero is remembered and honored and Pike County receives a home for its memories.