Troy citizens honor those who gave the ‘ultimate sacrifice’

Two ceremonies honoring the service of military personnel are held at Bicentennial Park in Troy every year, one on Memorial Day and one on Veterans Day.

The Memorial Day service is more solemn occasion as military veterans and others remember those brave men and women who did not return from combat, and gave the ultimate sacrifice

Bob McLendon, Commander of American Legion Post 70 and keynote speaker of the ceremony, said that Memorial Day is a perfect time to remember the soldiers who not only preserved American freedom, but also helped fight off tyrants around the world.

“Veterans Day in November honors all veterans regardless of how there service cam to an end,” McLendon said. “Memorial Day honors those who did not return home, killed in action.”

One of the distinguished veterans in attendance was Rogers Powell. Powell, 82, is one of the oldest living veterans in Pike County, and served his country during World War II.

Powell was a member of the 9th Armored Division of the U.S. Army, and saw combat at the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes region of Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Powell said that every Memorial Day he remembers back to his time in the service and one night in particular.

During a patrol one night, Powell and company were met by a German tank.

“I was in so many close places and never received a flesh wound,” said Powell.

“We was hemmed up one night, and not far away from us a German tank came over a hill and I hollered ‘Take cover.’ Out of the 256 men that were there, only 76 walked out. I’m just proud to be here, and proud to be an American.”

Troy resident and Desert Storm veteran Billy Williams was on hand to honor the soldiers that came before him.

“We are here to honor those soldiers that didn’t make it home and to reflect on the good times that were had. It is a great day for us and America.”