Despite threatening skies, one of the largest crowds yet filled Confederate Park Monday to honor and remember those who gave their lives for their country.

The raindrops stayed away long enough from the Greenville Lions Memorial Day Celebration for the completion of the patriotic program, which featured Col. Earl Tisdale, USA (ret.). The Greenville resident has devoted an amazing 72 years of military service since his ROTC days.

“I am glad to see so many young people here today,” Tisdale said. “I hope they will continue to come and to attend other celebrations such as this to learn how fortunate they are to live in the U.S.A. and enjoy the freedoms they have.”

Attendees lined the Honor Walk and applauded as veterans from WW II through the current war took part and Dr. Theresa Gordon performed military tunes on the bagpipe.

Gospel group New Vision of McKenzie performed prior to the program, with Rev. Ronnie Boulware, vocalist Brad Jones, Rev. Bob Garrard and members of Boy Scouts Troop 520 also taking part in the event. Lions served barbecue sack lunches following the program.

Winners of the Lions Memorial Day Poster Contest were: 1st and 2nd grade – Logan Smothers, BCMS, 1st place; David (last name not known), W.O. Parmer, 2nd place, and Billie Smith (no school listed), 3rd place.

3rd grade winners were: John Nettles, BCMS, 1st; Alexis VanCor, BCMS, 2nd, and Tiffany Giddens, BCMS, 3rd.

5th grade winners were: Tyler Travis, BCMS, 1st; Patrick Dixon, 2nd, BCMS and Tabitha Sassar, BCMS, 3rd.

Grand prize winner was 4th grader Jessica McNaughton, Greenville Elementary School and runner-up was 3rd grader Shayne Alexander, GES.