12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Every Memorial Day weekend the Red River Valley Chapter, KYDAR, places flags on the graves of military personnel. This year, this chapter gave special recognition to known Vietnam Veterans by placing roses on their graves with their flags. The total number of RRV members who participated: 5. They were: Gail Smith, Chapter Regent; Patricia Gordon, Chapter Vice-Regent; Donna Graves, Vietnam Commemoration Chairperson; Linda Abner, member; Nora Lee Walters, member. In addition, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) member, Steven Graves, also attended one event to take pictures.
In addition to the 49 roses that were placed on Vietnam Veterans' graves throughout Powell County, KY, Donna Graves met with the family of deceased Sgt Jerome Vice at the Owingsville Cemetery, Owingsville, Bath County, KY, to present them with a certificate of appreciation for his service and the family's sacrifice during the Vietnam War. Sgt Vice passed away in 2006 from lung cancer, leaving behind a wife, 2 sons, 1 daughter-in-law and several grandchildren. The family requested that this be done at his grave, in private, so they could feel closer to him during the presentation. Donna presented Mrs. Vice with his certificate of appreciation and placed a white rose on his headstone. Mrs. Vice was brought to tears and was only able to say "Thank you" to our chapter for remembering him during this time. The family was also very moved and expressed their gratitude as well. Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) member, Steven Graves, also attended to take pictures.