The Patrick County Veteran’s Memorial Honor Guard was awarded a resolution for its service by the Board of Supervisors.
Clayton Kendrick, board chairman, said the resolution presented at a special dinner on March 25 was for the guard’s service in honoring fallen soldiers.
“In 1982, veterans in Patrick County … took it upon themselves to form the Patrick County Veteran’s Memorial Honor Guard” to help “honor the service and sacrifice of deceased veterans by their dedication in performing military honors at veterans’ funerals and participating in other community events,” Kendrick read and noted that the honor guard’s representation at deceased veterans’ funerals may be the highest honor veterans can receive for their service.
In addition, the honor guard also “conducts a Memorial Day service to remember those that served and are no longer with us, and an annual Veteran’s Day parade and ceremony to recognize” county veterans, he said.
Kendrick said his grandfather and father served in the military.
“It was such an honor to have that honor guard at their service, and unless you’re in that situation you don’t really realize what an honor it is to have you all at the service,” Kendrick said. “It makes the family so proud of their loved ones.”
Del. Wren Williams, R-Stuart, said he and his family really appreciate the service the guard provides for the county.
“I know that some of you have participated in some of our family members’ funerals,” he said. “I hope your ranks continue to grow as folks in my age range start understanding what you did for us, and the history of that is inside of this room.”
A copy of the resolution, which was crafted by Denise Stirewalt, vice-chairman, will be displayed on the Honor Wall in the Patrick County Administration Building.
