By Betsy Finklea
The annual Dillon County Memorial Day Service was held on Monday, May 30, at 11:00 a.m. at Veterans Square at the Dillon City-County Complex.
Mayor Todd Davis welcomed the audience. He said if they left with only one thought on this Memorial Day he hoped that it would be that “All gave some. Some gave all.”
Rev. James H. Warren (USAF) gave the invocation.
Members of audience were asked to join in the singing of the National Anthem. The U.S. Flag was raised by MSGT (Ret.) Terry Morris (U.S. Army) and Seaman Tony Peele (U.S. Navy). The South Carolina flag was raised by CSM (Ret.) George M. Pullie and SFC Harry Moore. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by MSGT James E. Leslie (USAF).
Mayor Davis introduced the guest speaker, Chaplain (Ret. Col.) Fred Gough. Gough’s speech focused on freedom. He said that three-fourths of a million Americans lost their lives in hostile action and sacrificed all so we could be free. He said freedom is not free, and Memorial Day was a day for remembering those who lost their lives.
After Gough’s comments, the memorial wreath was laid by MSGT Morris and Seaman Peele. This was followed by a three-volley rifle salute in honor of the fallen by Sgt. Gene Alford (USMC) and Raymond Mack of the Florence Honor Guard under the direction of MSGT Leslie.
TAPS was played by Cadet Major Ry’hem McCrimmon of Dillon High School. Rev. James Warren gave the benediction.

PHOTOS BY JOHNNIE DANIELS/THE DILLON HERALD