The Worthington Times

VFW Post 7117 in Worthington honored those who have served and sacrificed for our nation in a Memorial Day Service at 12 noon under the flagpole on the front lawn of the Post. The program, open to the public, was held on Sunday, May 25, 2008.

VFW State Senior Vice-Commander Harley Andrews, who gave the featured address, said Memorial Day is a sacred day to all Veterans and that our freedoms were paid for by our Veterans.

"By honoring our nation's war dead, we honor their service and their personal sacrifice," said Andrews.  "More than one million Americans have died defending our nation."

Andrews also told the crowd the VFW across the country is doing well with 5000 posts in 50 states and the organization continues to welcome new members.

Worthington VFW Commander Jack Ray also spoke to the crowd and pointed to the sign in front of the Post which reminds daily passers-by that "Freedom Is Not Free."

Steve Followell, who will be the new Post Commander for 2008-09, read a letter from an older service member who is currently serving in Iraq on his third deployment.

A highlight of the service was the acapella singing of the Star Spangled Banner and America the Beautiful by Kim Richards.

The VFW Post then hosted an Open House during the afternoon and evening with plenty of good food, good friends and good fun. 

Pictured above: Worthington VFW Men's Auxilliary President Darin Stalcup served in the Color Guard then lowered the flag to half-mast during the playing of Taps to conclude the ceremony.

Pictured below: Future Post Commander Steve Followell, current Post Commander Jack Ray, and State Senior Vice-Commander Harley Andrews; members of the Post Color Guard; Andrews salutes while Kim Richards sings the National Anthem; the crowd near the VFW's "Freedom Is Not Free" sign; and the Post Rifle Squad waiting with the crowd for the program to begin.