By Billy Davis

Military enthusiast Ronnie Darby will speak about late World War II veteran William “Doug” Henderson at Monday’s Memorial Day tribute in Batesville.

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May to recognize U.S. men and women who died in military service.

The annual Memorial Day service is set for 11 a.m. at Batesville Memorial Park, located on the west side of the Downtown Square.

Henderson served aboard a bomber in the U.S. 8th Air Force. He was a prisoner of the Germans for 13 ½ months when the bomber was shot down.

Panolian readers may recall that Henderson was recognized at a Veterans Day ceremony when Iraq War veteran Bubba Bryan returned a “lucky charm” to Henderson at the ceremony.

Henderson had worn the lucky charm, a 1906 dime, with his dog tags when he was shot down. He was 88 when he died May 3.

The solemn Memorial Day ceremony includes lowering of the flag, laying a wreath at the War Memorial, and the sounding of “Taps.” South Panola High’s Junior ROTC will present the colors. The SPHS men’s quartet will sing the national anthem. That group includes George Money, Trusten Moore Carlton Howard and Tracey Scurlock.

Robert Rawson will emcee the event and lead the benediction.