War Dead Honored on Memorial Day 2026

Close to 80 people attended a Memorial Day ceremony at Crown Hill Cemetery on Monday morning to honor those who died in the line at duty serving our country in the military.

No less than eight red, white & blue wreaths were placed on display in front of the crowd gathered on Veterans Memorial Drive to honor various wars and conflicts that involved the US.

The wreaths were presented to each couple by members of the Smith-Cotton JROTC. The Cadets also presented the colors for the event as well as raised and lowed the American flag at the opposite end of the avenue.

Chef de Gare of the 40 & 8 Cliff McBride served as master of ceremonies. He introduced Pettis County Commissioner Bill Taylor and Sedalia Mayor Traves Williams, who delivered the Pledge of Allegiance.

Voiture 333, 40 & 8 Aumonier Jim Gaertner provided the Invocation, while Rev. Dr. Nicholas Gray provided the Benediction.

VFW Post 2591 Honor Guard members gave a 21-gun salute to honor the war dead, followed by the playing of Taps.

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Capt. Gerald Scott, a former Air Force pilot in Vietnam, was the guest speaker for the event.

Following Scott, it was Micki Gaertner who read “Old Lions” aloud to the crowd, which was a piece written by her husband and Vietnam Vet Jim Gaertner.

In the top photo: Bill Carr and his wife Teresa, representing American Legion Post 491 in Green Ridge, salute after placing a wreath honoring war dead from World War II at Crown Hill Cemetery on Monday morning.