VFW Post 1913 hosted its annual Memorial Day Services Monday morning at Riverside Cemetery in Hopkinsville, bringing together veterans, families and community members to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States. The ceremony featured tributes, prayers and patriotic traditions focused on remembrance and sacrifice rather than celebration.
The service opened with the Presentation of Colors by the VFW Honor Guard, followed by remarks from VFW Post 1913 Commander John Brame. Retired U.S. Army Colonel Bobby H. Freeman served as the featured speaker during the ceremony. Freeman, a Trigg County native and retired honorary regimental commander of the 159th Aviation Brigade, reflected on military service, sacrifice and the importance of remembering fallen service members on Memorial Day.
The ceremony also included the placing of a wreath by Commander John Brame and Steve Vandall, SR Vice VFW, along with the playing of “Taps” performed by Johnny Brown. Closing prayer was delivered by Saki Moore, Auxiliary Chaplain for VFW Post 1913, before the retiring of the colors led by Commander Quentin Stone, Kerry Roberts, Ramsey Morris and Tony Harris.
Colonel Freeman’s military career included service in Korea, Fort Bragg, West Point and Fort Campbell, along with numerous military honors including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star and Air Medal. Organizers concluded the morning observance with lunch at VFW Post 1913, continuing a longstanding Hopkinsville tradition of honoring the nation’s fallen heroes and supporting the local veteran community.
