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The Greenville Lions Club held its 22nd annual Memorial Day event, “Remembering Our Heroes”, Monday, May 26 to remember men and women who lost their lives in U.S. military service. The event also served as a way to honor local veterans living in the community. 

A few highlights from the event held in the auditorium at Greenville High School included April Lowery’s singing of the “National Anthem” and “God Bless America” along with the band County Road 7 playing many patriotic and gospel favorites as the crowd began to gather. Gunnery Sergeant Michael Torres was the keynote speaker for the event and spoke to the crowd about what Memorial Day has meant to him in different stages of his life. 

Torres encouraged the crowd to let those who gave their lives in service be an inspiration to us to live lives of purpose and action. 

“If we take a moment and look through some of the names that we are remembering today, the stories of these individuals demonstrate the faith that led them to act courageously in the face of great adversity and great danger, their lives and stories should serve to inspire us all to live a life of purpose and action, a life full of freedom and liberty,” Torres said. 

Other highlights of the day’s event included the posting of the U.S. armed services flags by Greenville Junior Officers Training Corps (JROTC) led by Senior Army Instructor Colonel Alan Hester and the playing of “Taps” by Jim McGowin as fallen heroes were saluted. The event concluded with a recognition of each veteran by name and their participation in the Walk of Honor before the benedication and blessing by Antioch East Pastor Blair McBride. 

Lion Hubert Little was the master of ceremonies for the event and Lion Vice President Nicki McFerrin welcomed each attendee. Sponsors for the event included Match & Mix, Priesters Retail Store, Jim McGowin, Real Pit BBQ and Woodmen of the World.