War heroes given respect at Memorial Day ceremonies
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It’s sufficient to say Gen. Hennessee knows a little about the character of American soldiers.
“The critical element that has allowed the United States to be victorious in its conflicts is the quality of the American soldier,” Hennessee said during Memorial Day ceremonies at Warren County Airport. “The American soldier believes in what he’s fighting for. And most of all, he has unparalleled initiative.”
Hennessee, who served in infantry units in Korea and Vietnam, was the main speaker during Monday’s ceremony. The McMinnville native graduated from West Point in 1965 and has been an integral part of military operations ever since. He was quick to praise the heroism of American soldiers who have died protecting our country.
“The minimum cost of freedom for a country has been for its citizens to be ready to fight and die for that freedom,” said Hennessee. “Without that blood and sacrifice, our country would have never been born.”
Hennessee’s comments echoed the sentiments of Charles Norton, who began the ceremony with a few opening words.
“It’s with the deepest gratitude we honor our heroes for their service,” said Norton. “They shared in the preservation of our great nation.”
Around 150 people turned out for the early morning ceremony which began at 7 a.m. Winfred Casey read a list of Warren County soldiers who lost their lives protecting the U.S. in World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
After the VFW firing squad gave a 21-gun salute, Mike Chilcutt and Derek Masters closed the ceremony with a stirring version of “Taps.”
The Memorial Day program will be rebroadcast today at 6 p.m. on WCPI 91.3 FM.