VFW Post 1033 Holds Ceremony

Alleghany Highlands residents gathered along Main Street Monday morning to observe the 2019 edition of the Curtis A. Smith VFW Post No. 1033 Memorial Day service that paid respect to veterans — local and abroad — who fought and died while serving for the United States of America.
The ceremony was held at the Alleghany County Court-house.
VFW?member Alfred Paxton opened up the service with the remarks, “We are here to assemble once again to express sincere reverence for those who honor the heroes of America’s freedom.”
Following the opening remarks, Paxton and his fellow VFW members led those in attendance in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.
After the pledge, Alan Craft performed the Star Spangled Banner.
Following the Star Spangled Banner, VFW member Carl “Butch” Johnson then provided the Divine Blessing.
After the selections, Paxton led the portion of the Memorial Day service where tributes were placed on each memorial monument on the lawn of the Alleghany County Courthouse.
Following the placement of the tributes, Johnson gave the benediction.
“Almighty God, we ask for your continued guidance, grace and blessing for all of those in attendance today and for the protection of those who even now guard the gates of freedom,” Johnson said in part during the Divine Blessing.
To conclude the Memorial Day service, the rifle squad fired a 12-gun salute and “Taps” was performed.