James Thomas Likely. William Morris Cooper. Johnny L. Johnson. Luther O. McCormick. Clarence Taylor. Franklin D. Rowell. Michael T. Rutherford. Philip Doyle Sellers. William Sherill Stinson. These are the names of the nine young Butler County men who paid the ultimate sacrifice as soldiers and sailors during the Vietnam War.

These war dead, and all area Vietnam vets and their families, will receive special recognition during the Greenville Lions Annual Memorial Day Celebration at Confederate Park next Monday, May 25.

Rear Admiral Peter Booth, USN (ret.), of Pensacola, himself a Vietnam veteran, will be the featured speaker at the annual event, set to kick off at 9 a.m. with live music in the park.

The Memorial Day program is set to begin at 10 a.m. with an invocation, the singing of the National Anthem and the Posting of Colors. Essay and poster contest winners will also be announced.

All veterans from World War 1 through the current war will be recognized during the program. Following Booth’s speech, patriotic music, the traditional Veterans Walk of Honor and an invocation will close out the program of activities.

“We want all our area veterans and their families, and the family members of those who gave their lives for our country, to join us for this event. This is the first time we have specifically honored our Vietnam veterans, so we certainly want to extend a special invitation to them,” said Lion president Hubert Little.

“It is something we as Lions look forward to doing for our community each year, and we hope to see a good turnout on May 25.”