Sussex County Memorial Day ceremony slated May 28
The traditional Sussex County Memorial Day Service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, May 28, on The Circle in Georgetown, sponsored by the Georgetown Kiwanis Club, Korean War Veterans Association and Georgetown-Millsboro Rotary Club.
The keynote speech, “Living Lives That Honor the Fallen,” will be delivered by Sgt. First Class Justin Downen, U.S. Army National Guard, a combat veteran of the 3rd Special Forces Group and founder of the Green Beret Project that mentors and empowers disadvantaged children and teens to develop self-respect and success.
Rep. Ruth Briggs King, R-Georgetown, will serve as master of ceremonies. The invocation and benediction will be offered by Peter Cornell, deacon of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Georgetown.
Cathy Gorman of Georgetown will sing the national anthem and “America the Beautiful.” The audience is invited to sing along.
Memorial wreaths will be placed by local veterans’ groups and service organizations in tribute to those who died in both World Wars, Korea, Vietnam and more recent conflicts to protect Americans’ freedoms. Troop 95, Boy Scouts of America members will assist.
The rifle salute will be executed by members of the 198th Signal Battalion, Delaware National Guard, stationed at the Georgetown Armory. Taps and its echo will be performed by Sussex Central Band Director Ben Ables and Sussex Central senior Kylie Youse.
The program is scheduled to last about 50 minutes. Seating is provided on The Circle. Attendees are also encouraged to bring comfortable folding chairs.
