By By KERRY WHIPPLE BEAN – Publisher
One by one, Charles Jackson on Monday read the names of 173 Escambia County residents who have given their lives in American wars.
But he paused before reading the last name.
The family of Chris Winchester - who died last year in Iraq - joined family members of other county residents who have died fighting for America since World War I.
Veterans Service Officer Mike Hanks said the veterans memorial does not currently recognize residents who have died in the war on terror, but the county is working on a plan to include them in the memorial that honors those who died in World Wars I and II, Korea and Vietnam.
Hanks said Escambia County has given &#8220more than it should” to the cause for freedom over the years.
To begin the program Monday, Deacon S.C. Cheatham prayed for servicemen and women, veterans and for the family members and friends of those who have died.
Members of the American Legion placed a wreath at the memorial in honor of those who have died, and James Sundy sang his original song &#8220I Believe in the Red, White and Blue.”
Hanks said the crowd - made up of people of all ages, almost all dressed in red, white and blue - were celebrating Memorial Day appropriately.