By By Lydia Grimes and Kerry Whipple Bean – The Brewton Standard
Dorothy Newton and Vivian Milligan clasped hands beneath the American flag Monday, resolute in the face of decades-old loss.
Milligan lost a son, Marcus, in the Vietnam war; Newton lost a brother, Kenneth.
The women were among the relatives and residents who gathered for a Memorial Day service Monday morning in front of the Escambia County Courthouse.
The war memorial at the courthouse honors county residents who died in each war except the war on terror. Master of ceremonies Mike Hanks said veterans groups in Escambia County are working to find a place for such a monument.
Later in the ceremony, Charles Jackson read the names of each Escambia County resident who has lost his or her life in wars since World War I. Family members of those who died stood at each war monument to honor the dead. There were 35 from World War I, 89 from World War II, 15 from Korean War, 30 from the Vietnam War, and three who have lost their lives in the war on terrorism.
Hanks also recognized two veterans who received the Medal of Honor, Sidney Manning and William Slay. Samson Cheatham gave the invocation followed by the national anthem sung by the Rev. George Weaver.
Pvt. Willis Peacock and Sgt. David Floyd, of the 1165th MP Detachment of the National Guard, raised the flag and the crowd joined in the Pledge of Allegiance.
American Legion members John Wilson of District 34 and Joe Dozier of Post 79 presented a wreath to be placed on the war memorial. That was followed by special music by James Sunday.
Hanks told the group about the need for special funeral arrangements that can be made for any veteran.
He advised veterans and their families to make arrangements if the veteran would like to have a military funeral.
The benediction was given by Samson Cheatham and a lone bugle played taps in the background.