Memorial Day services wet, but well attended
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Although Memorial Day 2005 dawned rainy and cool, people in the Versailles community still turned out in large numbers to attend the parade on the town square, services in Cliff Hill Cemetery, and a short tribute at the Veterans Memorial on the courthouse lawn.

Under the sponsorship of the Leora Weare Post 173 of the American Legion, the Memorial Day services began at 10:00 a.m. with a parade consisting of the Legion Color Guard, veterans representing all branches of the service, the South Ripley High School Band, and the Versailles Boy Scout troop.

At Cliff Hill Cemetery Post Commander Sandy Becker emceed an abbreviated program due to the inclement weather, introducing the South Ripley Band who played "The Star Spangled Banner" and a medley of United States Service songs, and the speaker Brian Steele, a 1992 South Ripley graduate now living in Indianapolis.

Chaplain Jim Taul led in prayer, and Sergeant-at-arms Jerald Hewitt placed a wreath honoring all veterans who have given their lives in the service of their country. White crosses and small flags reminded those gathered of the many from the community who have served their country in all past conflicts as well as those serving now.

The service at the cemetery ended with a 21-gun salute and the playing of "Taps."

At the Veterans Memorial, the Osgood American Legion Post and the Napoleon VFW joined the Versailles Legionnaires. Wreaths were placed at the Memorial, where flags
flew at half staff in honor of all Ripley County veterans.

Past Versailles Legion Commander Tilden "Sugo" Castner spoke briefly; Chaplain Jim Taul led in prayer; and a 21-gun salute by the Osgood American Legion ended the brief service.

MARY MARGARET MOORHEAD PHOTO

Rain didn't stop veterans from participating in the Memorial Day Services held at the Cliff Hill Cemetery on Monday morning.