Laurens County Hall of Heroes Hosts 2025 Memorial Day Ceremony Honoring Fallen Heroes

Under overcast skies that gave way to sunshine and then a light rain near the close of the ceremony, residents from across Laurens County gathered for a solemn and stirring Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by the Laurens County Hall of Heroes (LCHoH). Held on the grounds of the Laurens County Veterans Monument, the program brought together military veterans, local officials, civic leaders, and community members to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

A Community United in Remembrance
Chairman Morris Madden opened the ceremony by thanking the community for taking time on the holiday weekend to attend, noting the partnerships that made the event possible — including Bellview Baptist Church, the City of Laurens, and the City of Clinton. “Memorial Day is a somber national day of mourning,” Madden said in his opening remarks. “We are all gathered here today to mourn and 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.”

Ceremonial Traditions and Honors
The Clinton High School ROTC presented the Colors as the ceremony began. Rev. and Sgt. Phil Wyatt (U.S. Army) led attendees in the National Anthem, followed by an opening prayer from Laurens County Councilman Matthew Brownlee. A recorded reading by former President Ronald Reagan provided a poignant reflection on the meaning of Memorial Day.

Welcoming remarks were offered by Mayor Nathan Senn of Laurens and Mayor Randy Randall of Clinton, followed by a special message from Chairman Madden introducing the keynote speaker.

A Distinguished Keynote Address
U.S. Army Major General Robin B. Stilwell, who was confirmed by the South Carolina Senate as Adjutant General on March 26, 2025, delivered the keynote address. Recently appointed to the role by Governor Henry McMaster, Major General Stilwell is a 1985 graduate of The Citadel and a decorated veteran with deployments in Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Kuwait. He brought a powerful message rooted in history, humility, and a deep sense of duty.

Drawing from Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, Stilwell noted the futility of trying to match the sacrifice of fallen soldiers with words alone. Instead, he challenged those gathered to take action.

“There is nothing I can say to adequately recognize the sacrifice of those who have died in service of our great country,” Stilwell said. “What I can do is what Lincoln suggested: ‘increase my devotion’ to the ideals of the United States and ‘highly resolve’ that the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice shall not have died in vain.”

He closed with a heartfelt suggestion that might have been added to Lincoln’s famous speech:
“To the Soldiers who have died for our freedom, and to their families: We thank you, we love you, and we will never forget you.”

Raising the Flag, Honoring the Fallen
At precisely noon, in keeping with Memorial Day tradition, the United States flag was raised from half-staff to full staff. The ceremonial raising was led by Adjutant General Stilwell and LCHoH Vice Chairman Lt. Col. Jim Moore (Ret., U.S. Army/SC National Guard).

Wreaths were then laid by General Stilwell, Mayor Senn, and Mayor Randall, followed by a moving audio performance of “Taps” from LCHoH Board Member Sgt. Mark Madden (Ret., U.S. Army/SC National Guard).

The ceremony concluded with a powerful closing statement from Sgt. Major Don Evans (Ret., U.S. Army/SC National Guard), reminding all in attendance of the cost of freedom and the importance of remembrance.