Laurens County Hall of Heroes Honors Fallen Soldiers Despite Storm

Late morning storms couldn’t stop the Laurens County Hall of Heroes (LCHOH) from hosting a heartfelt Memorial Day event, honoring the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. The Memorial Day program, organized by the Laurens County Hall of Heroes in conjunction with the Laurens County Office of Veterans Affairs, drew a dedicated crowd.

The program opened with Pastor Phil Wyatt singing the National Anthem.

In his opening remarks, Morris Madden, Chairman of the LCHOH, expressed deep gratitude to those who took time out of their holiday weekend to attend the first Memorial Day ceremony organized by the Laurens County Hall of Heroes. In his remarks, Madden reminded everyone of the day’s somber significance, stating, “Memorial Day is a somber National Day of Mourning. We are all gathered here today to pay tribute to the brave Laurens County military warriors, and to all the men and women of all branches of the United States Military, who gave the ultimate sacrifice to help preserve and defend our nation’s freedoms and liberties. It is often said that every US serviceman and woman gave some. But today, we honor and remember those who gave all, those who truly gave their full measure of devotion.”

As the keynote speaker, Senator Danny Verdin, added a poignant touch to the event by playing a recording of the memorial song “Sleep Noble Hearts,” as recorded in 1912 (it was written in the late 1800s. Verdin shared that he first heard the song sung by his father’s twin sisters during his childhood, a memory that instilled in him a deep reverence for those who have fallen. Click HERE to enjoy the song.

“In the 160 years or so since our country has been memorializing the fallen, this song has been played tens of thousands of times,” Verdin noted. He emphasized the importance of preserving the honor and nobility of the brave individuals who have sacrificed for the nation, saying, “We cannot allow, as a people, the devaluation of the noble heart and the noble spirit.”

As part of the Memorial Day tradition, the United States flag was lowered to half-staff at sunrise to honor the servicemen and women who gave their lives. During the ceremony, at noon, Terry Cullens, board member of LCHOH, raised the flag to full staff, symbolizing the nation’s enduring gratitude and respect. The attendees then stood together and recited the Pledge of Allegiance, their voices united in a shared commitment to the values the flag represents.

South Carolina Representative Stewart Jones, Chair of the Laurens County Delegation, and Senator Verdin then participated in the wreath-laying ceremony, further honoring the fallen heroes.

In his closing remarks, Madden thanked the Laurens County Hall of Heroes Board members for their efforts in organizing the program and reminded attendees to continue honoring the true meaning of Memorial Day. He concluded with a poignant quote from former President Ronald Reagan: “We are forever indebted to those who have given their lives so that we all might be free.”

As the flag flew high in the now-clear sky, the community of Laurens County stood together, reflecting on the sacrifices of the past and reaffirming their commitment to the future.

For more information about the Laurens County Hall of Heroes and their events click HERE to follow them on Facebook.