Traditional Woodland service gives veterans special salute

The bright sunshine brought out about 50 people to the annual Woodland Cemetery Veterans Day ceremony, some for the first time.

“We have such a rich tradition with Memorial Day in Lawrence County,” Louis Sheridan, VFW Post 8850 commander, said before the service. “We feel it is important to come together on Nov. 11 to honor all veterans.”

Guest speaker Rodney McFarland praised those men and women in the military who put country before their own wants.

“They don’t seek personal gain to give us this day,” he told the audience. “There are extraordinary examples of selfless deeds … that lifted the cloak of oppression. They have brought hope and faith. “It is our veterans who have protected our values. It is imperative we keep alive the accomplishments of our veterans.”

The Veterans Day service at Woodland, which has been a staple of the Ironton-based VFW for more than 20 years, began with an invocation by Chad Pemberton followed by the national anthem sung by Demi Sands, an Ironton Middle School student.

After McFarland spoke, Sands also sang “God Bless America” before Pemberton gave the benediction. Then the Honor Guard of the VFW performed the 21-gun salute and the playing of taps.