Local veterans gather for annual dinner

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“….because every veteran deserves to be buried with dignity and respect. It is the least we can do.”

Those are the words of Charles “Buck” Harris, current president of the Fayette County Honor Guard.

Late last week, about half of the 25 members of the Fayette County Honor Guard, and their spouses, met for their yearly dinner gathering. Veteran and flag historian Ed Helt gave an interesting talk about the American flag, starting with the now debunked story of Betsy Ross being the maker of the first flag and ending with the group pledging allegiance to the current flag.

Some 40-plus years ago, each veteran post had its own honor guard. As time passed and posts suffered the loss of members, all the groups combined to become the Fayette County Veteran Honor Guard. Each veteran post has members who are active in the honor guard. To become a member of the honor guard, you must be an honorably discharged veteran. You do not, however, need to belong to any veteran post.

Since their last yearly dinner gathering, the honor guard has attended 105 veteran burials. Sadly, in the week prior to this gathering, the honor guard was in attendance for the burial ceremony of one of their own members, veteran Sonny Morgan. Speaking for all those gathered, veteran John Mason said it most succinctly, “Though sad for us, this veteran and his family deserved this honor and our respect for his service to our country.”

The men and women of the Fayette County Veteran Honor Guard, though honorably discharged from service to this country, are still serving by honoring those who also served.

Members of the Fayette County Honor Guard met recently for their annual dinner gathering. Back row, from left to right, Charles “Buck” Harris, John Mason, Bill Footy, Glenn Rankin and Tom Slager; front row, left to right, Paul Sands, Mike Curl, Dave Frederick, Patty Deweese, Ed Fisher, Eddie Wheaton and Sheldon Litton.
http://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2016/05/web1_MuseumPhoto.jpgMembers of the Fayette County Honor Guard met recently for their annual dinner gathering. Back row, from left to right, Charles “Buck” Harris, John Mason, Bill Footy, Glenn Rankin and Tom Slager; front row, left to right, Paul Sands, Mike Curl, Dave Frederick, Patty Deweese, Ed Fisher, Eddie Wheaton and Sheldon Litton.

By Bev Mullen

For the Record-Herald

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