Cornelius PARC Department and American Legion Post 86 will host a Memorial Day Program Saturday, May 29, at 11 a.m. at Legion Park, at 21214 Legion St., off Catawba Avenue. Keynote speaker will be Ron Rosser, an 80-year-old decorated Korean War veteran from Ohio.
American Legion Post 86 Commander John Washam will lead the ceremony that will also include a patriotic songs and the placing of the Wreath of Remembrance in honor of those who perished in all wars.
This year’s program will also include the unveiling of the winning design for the Cornelius Veterans Monument Design Competition. The monument will be erected on a site off N.C. 115, near Cornelius Town Hall.
MEDAL WINNING SPEAKER
Mr. Rosser won the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery in Korea. Commander Washam said Mr. Rosser joined the army at age 17, served his time, and was discharged in 1948. After his brother was killed in Korea, he re-enlisted, and volunteered for combat duty in Korea. He won the Congressional Medal after an incident involving his mortar battalion. “The Chinese overran it, and he held them off until his company could withdraw. I think he killed about 48 Chinese before he got wounded,” Commander Washam said.
2010 MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM
Master of Ceremonies
John Washam
Commander, American Legion Post 86
Invocation
Reverend Mike Bailey
Welcome
Cornelius Mayor Jeffery Tarte
Post the Colors
American Legion Post 86
Hopewell High JROTC
National Anthem
Singers from Mt. Zion & Bethel Presbyterian
Pledge of Allegiance
MIA/POW Empty Chair Ceremony
Patriotic Songs
Singers from Mt. Zion & Bethel Presbyterian
Keynote Address
Ron Rosser
Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient
Placing Wreath of Remembrance
21 Gun Salute
American Legion Post 86
Taps
Core Gudger
Retire the Colors
Closing Prayer
Reverend Mike Bailey
American Legion Post 86 is participating in the Heroes to Hometown program. This program ensures that each service member and their families will get full assistance for a successful transition back to civilian life.
More information: http://www.corneliuspr.org/memorialdayevent.html
