Greenville Lions remember veterans
Published 2:23 pm Friday, June 2, 2023
The Greenville High School band entertains veterans with patriotic songs at the Memorial Day ceremony.
Lion Hubert Little welcomes veterans to the Memorial Day program. Pictured are (left to right) Lion’s president April Sherling, April Lowery, Little, Charles Box, and Chief Master Sergeant James Zorn.
Chief Master Sergeant James Zorn addresses the crowd of veterans at the Lions Memorial Day program. Photo by David Lovell.
Lion Jim McGowin salutes veterans during the Memorial Day ceremony by Playing of “Taps.”
Retired Air Force veteran Carlos Bennett is among honorees at the Lions Club Memorial Day celebration. Photo by David Lovell
Greenville community members fellowship at the Memorial Day program. Pictured are (left to right) Charles Box, Janice Box, Linda Morton, Gayle Gafford, and Terry Gafford. Submitted photo
World War II veteran Price Jones was in attendance at the Lion’s Memorial Day celebration
April Lowery is joined on stage with members of the GHS JROTC, as she leads the crowd in singing “God bless America.”
Veterans are recognized at GHS on Memorial Day by Greenville Lions Club
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The Greenville Lions Club hosted its 20th annual Memorial Day commemoration on Monday in the Greenville High School Auditorium at 10:30 a.m.
Lions president, April Sherling opened the ceremony, by paying tribute to her late grandfather.
She said, “It’s hard to grasp what they(veterans)have actually been through, so we can live with the freedoms we have today.” Lion Hubert Little also added, “Many people take [freedom] for granted.”
Memorial Day, also known as Decoration day, was signed into law in 1971 and is designated to the last Monday in May each year.
On this day, Americans honor soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives in military service to the United States of America. Communities also show appreciation to those who continue and are willing to serve their country.
Tiger Drive was lined with a beautiful display of American flags as guests arrived at the celebration. This year’s theme is: Honor the Fallen Heroes.
Upon arriving, honorees were greeted and escorted by Lions Club members. Guests were even given a complementary American flag souvenir.
The Greenville High School band entertained the crowd with patriotic tunes, as a large crowd soon gathered in the auditorium. According to record keepers with the Lions Club, there was a significant increase in veteran attendance this year, from both young and old, including World War II Army veteran Price Jones, who received a standing ovation.
Speaker of the hour, Chief Master Sergeant James Zorn, spoke about his personal decision to join the Alabama Army National Guard. He credits the success of his 30 years of military service to the support from his family.
“This country has freedoms that no other country has, and its ideas are rooted in Christian faith,” Zorn said.
He quoted John 3:16, as he described the ultimate sacrifice.
“Many people don’t know what it is like to be willing to lay down your life, for the sake of others,” he said.
The Greenville High School Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) paid tribute to the veterans, with the posting of colors, Pledge of Allegiance, and the posting of service flags. April Lowery led the congregation with beautiful renditions of the “National Anthem” and “God Bless America.”
Following the recognition of all veterans in attendance, all guests enjoyed fellowship and a catered lunch by sponsors, Real Pit BBQ, Jim McGowin, and Priester’s Pecans Retail Store.
