Citizens all over Fayette County had the opportunity Monday to commemorate Memorial Day with friends, neighbors and family.

Those who attended the Memorial Day services at Washington Cemetery were treated to the sounds of the Washington School Band playing an assortment of patriotic music. The guest speaker for the service was Washington Court House city councilman, Dale Lynch. As anyone who knows Lynch is aware of his love of pop quizzes. That is exactly what those gathered received, a pop quiz about Memorial Day, its beginnings and its customs.

According to Lynch, “The United States is not great because of its land, it is great because of its people.” People who chose to sacrifice their lives for its freedom. Lynch ended by imploring the youth of Fayette County to keep celebrations like Memorial Day and Flag Day alive. Veteran David Frederick was the master of ceremonies and veteran Ed Fisher gave the opening and closing prayers at each cemetery.

Those citizens who gathered at St. Colman Cemetery were welcomed by Father Mike Hartge, who asked in his prayer that we remember those who died in defense of this country and its freedoms.

Veterans Patty DeWees and Paul Sands placed the Veterans Service Commission Wreath, and the Fayette County Honor Guard gave a 21-gun salute at each cemetery. Also at each cemetery, TAPS were played live by veterans Larry Bishop and Zeke Zastrow, followed by one verse of “Amazing Grace.”

Those who gathered at Highlawn Cemetery heard the words of Ed Helt, Legion Patriotism chairman, who spoke about the freedoms this country enjoys because of the sacrifices of those who have served during peace and during conflict.

Veterans Larry Bishop and Zeke Zastrow were the buglers at each Memorial Day service in Washington C.H. Monday.

http://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2018/05/web1_2018052895.jpgVeterans Larry Bishop and Zeke Zastrow were the buglers at each Memorial Day service in Washington C.H. Monday.

Veteran Ed Helt spoke at Highlawn Cemetery on Monday.

http://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2018/05/web1_20180528951.jpgVeteran Ed Helt spoke at Highlawn Cemetery on Monday.

At Highlawn Cemetery, veteran Ed Fisher, Betty Pender, Lucas Johnson, Kelly Johnson, and veterans Glenn Rankin and Patty Dewees. Pender and Johnson came to honor family and to thank the veterans for their service.

http://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2018/05/web1_20180528952.jpgAt Highlawn Cemetery, veteran Ed Fisher, Betty Pender, Lucas Johnson, Kelly Johnson, and veterans Glenn Rankin and Patty Dewees. Pender and Johnson came to honor family and to thank the veterans for their service.

The Fayette County Honor Guard attended many Memorial Day events on Monday.

http://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2018/05/web1_20180528953.jpgThe Fayette County Honor Guard attended many Memorial Day events on Monday.

Washington Court House City Council member Dale Lynch was the speaker at Washington Cemetery on Monday.

http://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2018/05/web1_20180528954.jpgWashington Court House City Council member Dale Lynch was the speaker at Washington Cemetery on Monday.