Pineville Legion To Continue Tradition

PROGRAMS SLATED TO FILL DAY

For the 15th, or maybe 20th, consecutive year, Pineville/Jane American Legion Post 392 will host a Memorial Day ceremony.

“I was in on the first one and that was at least 15 years ago,” said Larry Caywood. “It was probably longer ago than that - closer to 20 years.”

This year’s ceremonieswill be held Saturday at three different cemeteries. The first ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. at the Pineville Cemetery, followed at 11 a.m. at the Jane Cemetery and at 1 p.m. at Tracy Cemetery.

The programs include the playing of the “Star Spangled Banner,” a guest speaker, a rifle salute and the playing of taps. Caywood said he will speak at Pineville while Dennis Kirk will take over at Jane and Tracy.

“Curt Bradley asked me to do a special program one year,” Caywood said. “He was in charge of the Pineville Cemetery and a member of the Legion. He said there were four graves of veterans from Pinevillewho were killed in action during World War II and one from World War I who was buried overseas. Curt did the research of those five men. All were part of well-known, local families.”

The World War I soldier was Albert Hackney. The four World War II servicemen were Orville Testerman, Carl Shields, Jr., Thomas Cleveland and Joseph Carnell.

In addition, the Legion, with the help of the R.O.T.C. program from McDonald County High School, put out flags on veterans graves at Pineville and Anderson earlier this week.

“We want to keep the meaning of Memorial Day alive,” Caywood said. “We want people to remember those who have sacrifi ced for their country. Many of the families appreciate it.”

Community, Pages 15 on 05/23/2013