By Betsy Finklea
The Dillon County Veterans Day ceremony was held on Wednesday morning.
The ceremony opened with prayer by Rev. Victor Kennedy, the welcome by Mayor Todd Davis, and the posting of the colors. The National Anthem was sung by Lynn Bowman as the U.S. and S.C. flags were hoisted. This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. J. Reagan Walters presented the George F. Spradley Annual $1000 Scholarship to Sam Sellers, a Latta High School student. He read his essay about his grandfather, S.J. Allen.
Judge James E. Lockemy then introduced the guest speaker, LTC David S. Gayle, who offered appropriate remarks for the ceremony.
This was followed by the reading of the names of those deceased military members who has passed away since last year. The memorial wreath was placed at the memorial wall and there was a laying of the flag in honor of service members as TAPS was played.

The 2015 Veteran of the Year was then named. This year’s recipient is Levern Hayes. Hayes served in Vietnam from March of 1970 to February of 1971. He is very active in the Dillon County Veterans Community. He places flags on the graves of veterans, participates in the Boys State selection, visits families of veterans who pass away, visits veterans at nursing homes at Christmas and gives them fruit and a Christmas card, and is active in the American Legion.
Hayes thanked everyone for the honor.
A DJJ Restoring Carolinas student read a poem about veterans. The colors were retrieved and the benediction was given. After the event, Judge Lockemy presented lapel pins to Vietnam veterans present that were donated by the Rebecca Pickens Chapter of the DAR. They were also responsible for a flag display at the event.

PHOTOS BY JOHNNIE DANIELS/THE DILLON HERALD