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Shortly before noon, the rain stopped--just in time for the American Legion's ceremony on the Courtsquare in downtown Lincolnton observing Memorial Day.  Rain had forced the VFW to move its observance Sunday evening indoors, but when the weather improved Monday afternoon, the luminaries in the shape of a cross that have become an annual tradition were placed on the VFW lawn to glow through the night on Monday as a final tribute to those who gave the last full measure in service to our country.

Last week, American Legion and auxiliary members, assisted by scouts and others, placed flags on the graves of deceased veterans.  Members of the Vietnam Veterans of Lincoln County placed flags Monday on the graves of veterans at the former New Life Baptist Church cemetery which is now on the campus of Combine Academy on Car Farm Road.

 

Vietnam Veterans of Lincoln County president David Crumpton & vice president, Ray Trevino, who is also a staff member at Combine Academy, were joined by faculty members as they placed flags provided by DAV Chapter 53 on the graves of the 21 Veterans laid to rest at the cemetery.  Kurt Wessler, Combine Academy General Manager, said he plans to make this an annual event. .

A gathering of some 200-plus assembled on the Courtquare for the annual ceremony there.  In addition to a 21-gun salute to the fallen heroes, music from the Providence Road Baptist Church choir, and wreath-laying honoring those who died in service, several awards not related to Memorial Day were presented.

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