Memorial Day Program on the Square
Published 6:02 pm Tuesday, June 1, 2021
Citizens from Batesville and all of Panola County took part in the annual Memorial Day Program hosted by the Exchange Club of Batesville.
City of Batesville firefighters again hoisted their large American Flag from the department’s ladder truck to overlook the Downtown Square and the program. Firemen pictured are (Front, from left) Caleb Moffett, Jacob Broome, Michael McGraw, Austin Beavers, (back) Captain Lee Garner, Jr., Kyle Thompson, Lt. Matthew Hubbard, Lt. Jason Sanders, Billy Broome, and Lt. Pete Waller.
Panola County Sheriff Office Lt. Clint Roberson presented his annual rendition of “That Ragged Old Flag” and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Boy Scouts of America Troop 578 presented colors and gathered for a group photo with the guest speaker, Col. Peter Clinton of Marks. Pictured are (from left) Lucas Wilson, Clint Roberson, Reef Roberson, Col. Clinton, Scoutmaster Jim Whitten, Warren Burnett, Chris Burnett, and Rhett Thomas. Not pictured is Asst. Scoutmaster Smith Murphey who also had a part in the program.
Panola County Chief Deputy Reginald Lantern, Col. Peter Clinton, Sheriff Shane Phelps, and SFC (Ret.) Leroy Matthews.
Nell Baker (center) and her family were chosen by the Exchange Club to lay the honorary wreath at the base of the memorial marker on the Square that is inscribed with the names of Panola County citizens killed in battles from World War I, World War 2, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Mrs. Baker is the widow of former Batesville Mayor and Exchange Club charter member Bobby Baker who passed away earlier this year.
Sarah Dale Shaffer was chosen to sing the National Anthem at the Memorial Day Program.
Memorial Day Program on the Square
The Exchange Club of Batesville hosted its 2021 Memorial Day Program on Monday, May 31. Special guest speaker was Col. Peter Clinton of Marks who spoke about the sacrifices that military families have made over the course of America’s history, especially those who lost loved ones in foreign battles. Exchange Club members provided small American Flags for attendees, and a wreath of honor that was placed on the monument located on the south side of the Square.
