Bluegrass Military Affairs Coalition Online

Community Events

Ceremony Honoring PFC Franklin Sousley KIA Iwo Jima

On the last Sunday in February, Kentuckians are invited to a Fleming County celebration remembering native son Franklin Sousley, one of the soldiers who raised the American flag during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. The image taken of Sousley and his fellow soldiers is arguably one of the most famous of World War II and is also the focus of the film Flags of Our Fathers.

The World War II battle for Iwo Jima is very visible in the movies "Letters from Iwo Jima" and "Flags of Our Fathers," both directed by Clint Eastwood.

In Fleming County, Kentucky, the story of Iwo Jima hero and Fleming County native, Franklin Sousley, has been a present reality for more than 60 years.

VFW Post 680 Ladies Auxiliary to honor veterans by laying wreaths in The Lexington National Cemetery

2006 will mark the 15th anniversary of holiday wreaths being sent from the State of Maine to Arlington National Cemetery. Every year the staff at Worcester Wreath Company makes and decorates wreaths that adorn more than 5000 headstones of our Nation’s fallen heroes - in what has become an annual event coordinated with the Cemetery Administration and the Maine State Society.

This year, one man’s dream to honor Veterans with Maine wreaths will reach the Bluegrass State. The Lexington Cemetery and VFW Post 680 Ladies Auxiliary invites the public to attend Wreaths Across America Ceremony at The Lexington National Cemetery, at noon on Thursday 14 December. The program will include the presentation of The Colors by Henry Clay Army JROTC, remarks by Lt. Governor Steve Pence and playing of TAPS.

Spurred by the tremendous outpouring of letters and interest, and to celebrate the 15 years of giving, Worcester Wreath Company decided to expand the Arlington Wreath Project with Wreaths Across America – the placing of memorial wreaths during a special ceremony at each of 230 State and National Cemeteries and Veterans Monuments across the country. Each National Cemetery is receiving 6 wreaths, one for each branch of the military and another to honor POW/MIA.

Morrill Worcester - President of Worcester Wreath Company explains his desire to develop the Wreaths Across America project, "Our goal is to expand the recognition of those who serve our country, both past, present, and future, as well as their families who deserve our support. Without the sacrifices of our veterans, there would be no opportunity to enjoy the freedoms, the life we live today."

“The veterans whom are memorialized in The Lexington National Cemetery and The Lexington Cemetery deserve our utmost respect for the sacrifices they made to protect us so that we can enjoy the approaching holidays and every other day during the year,” said Dan Scalf, president and general manager of The Lexington Cemetery. “We are honored to participate in such a worthwhile project.”

For more information about Wreaths Across America, visit http://wreathsacrossamerica.org/. For information about local events, contact Julie Curry at 859-539-0685.

Photo Gallery:

Our Community Remembers
Immanuel Baptist Church - Lex KY
11 SEPT 2006

Flag Day Ceremony
Bell House - Lex KY
19 JUN 2006

Memorial Day - Lexington National Cemetery

The last Monday in May is set aside to remember men and women who died in military service to their country. Lexington’s official observance ceremony will be held at The Lexington National Cemetery, located just inside the front gates of The Lexington Cemetery. The service begins at 11a and features the presentation of colors, a noted speaker, playing of “Taps” and a 21-gun salute. Participating will be the veterans of American Legion Man O’ War Post No. 8 and its Ladies Auxiliary. Please join in remembering and saluting those who paid the ultimate sacrifice while in service to the United States of America.