Major Jerry Parker to Speak at Memorial Day Program

The community is encouraged to rally in a show of support for fallen heroes during a Memorial Day program Monday morning, May 30 at the DeKalb County Complex.
The guest speaker will be Major Jerry Parker of Murfreesboro.
Parker is a retired vice president and director of American General Life and Accident Insurance Company in Nashville. He graduated from the University of Tennessee where he received his officer’s commission through the Army ROTC program. He served with the Fourth Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, Washington before going to Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. Following his active duty service, he served in the Army Reserve for ten years and was discharged with the rank of major. He is a member of the American Legion Post 5 in Nashville.
Sponsored by the American Legion #122, the entertainment program will begin at 9:30 a.m. with Susan Hinton and Three Parts Grace performing followed by the main program at 10:00 a.m. featuring the National Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Edward Frazier, and prayers by Chuck Olsen and Larry Green. Commander William Edmonds will make welcome remarks and Judy Redmon of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary will remember the fallen. A poem in tribute to veterans will be read followed by a Memorial Day message from Major Parker. Ronnie Redmon of the American Legion will adjourn the program at the complex after which attendees will be asked to gather at the veteran’s memorial monument at the courthouse for the laying of a wreath and taps.