A retired Lieutenant of the U.S. Navy was the keynote speaker at Centralia’s Memorial Day Service held Monday at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Reverend Sidney Davis, Junior memorialized departed comrades.
“Thinking about the sacrifices of those who gave their life for us in the military service to help us keep our freedoms. Today we honor those.”
Lieutenant Davis noted being in the armed services is never easy and we will always remember everyone that has served.
Mike Sutherland, President of Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home and Hillcrest Memorial Park, gave welcoming remarks. Sutherland noted 2,400 Veterans are buried at Hillcrest Memorial Park. He acknowledged his staff and volunteers for their efforts in placing flags for those veterans. Sutherland added Hillcrest is celebrating its 100th year anniversary this year.
After the Posting of Colors to start the service, the Boy Scout Troop 260 and Cub Scout Pack 446 presented the Flag for the Folding Ceremony, conducted by Veterans Mike Mulvin and Tom Ballagh.
The Benediction was lead by Chaplain Wayne Sensel and the ceremony concluded with a Three Volley Salute, lead by the Honor Guard Firing Party, and “Taps” played by Don Beaty.
The program is put together by all veterans organizations in Centralia in cooperation with Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Boy and Cub Scouts lead the Pledge of Allegiance to being the service. Photo by Tyler Perkins.
Mike Mulvin and Tom Ballagh provide a demonstration on the proper folding of the flag. Photo by Tyler Perkins.
