By Rita Howell

Monday’s Memorial Day observance on the Batesville Square will pay tribute to the 90 Panola Countians who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country during World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The program, being organized by members of the VFW and American Legion, will begin at 11 a.m. at the Downtown Memorial Park.

During the program a U.S. flag will be retired in memory of each fallen service member listed on the War Memorial Monument which stands near the park pavilion. Family members and friends of the men, or members of the VFW and American Legion, will accept worn flags. The flags will then be collected and incinerated in a private ceremony afterward.

Family members who would like to participate should call John Ard at 934-8213 or Curtis Lauderdale at 934-1769.

The keynote address will be delivered by retired U.S. Air Force Major Jackie Reed of Sardis.

Others helping with the program are Robert Rawson, who will give the invocation; Harry Bryan, who will sing the national anthem; South Panola High School Air Force JROTC cadets, who will present the colors, and Jerry Lightsey, who will sound taps. Red Hudson is VFW Post commander.
Members of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary will distribute Buddy Poppies, paper flowers traditionally used to raise funds to aid veterans.