GALLERY: Memorial Day observed here

Pembroke, Richmond Hill honor fallen servicemembers

Ellis Floyd recites the pledge of allegiance Monday, May 29, 2023 as his father, Alex Floyd, hold the microphone and Pembroke American Legion Post 164's B.J. Clark holds his hand over his heart during a Memorial Day observance in Pembroke. - photo by Jeff Whitten

MD20231 — Ellis Floyd recites the pledge of allegiance Monday, May 29, 2023 as his father, Alex Floyd, hold the microphone and Pembroke American Legion Post 164's B.J. Clark holds his hand over his heart during a Memorial Day observance in Pembroke. - photo by Jeff Whitten

The Rev. Cliff Rash, a retired Army sergeant first class, speaking at Richmond Hill's 2023 Memorial Day observance on Monday, May 29, 2023 at J.F. Gregory Park. - photo by Photo by Gilbert Miller

MD20233 — The Rev. Cliff Rash, a retired Army sergeant first class, speaking at Richmond Hill's 2023 Memorial Day observance on Monday, May 29, 2023 at J.F. Gregory Park. - photo by Photo by Gilbert Miller

Memorial Day was observed in Bryan County on Monday with 11 a.m. ceremonies in Pembroke and Richmond Hill.

In Pembroke, an additional 10 local veterans were honored with flags and crosses added to the display downtown, bringing the number to roughly 200. Those honored were Robert Leamon Barnes, Jr., Coast Guard; Baughin E.

Carroll Jr., Army; Eddie Lee Carroll, Army; Joseph Edward Lewis, Navy; George B.

Edwards, Army; Charles E.

Futch, Army; Paul L. Gibson, Army; Christopher Shaun Howell, Marines; Thomas Spencer McCormick, Navy; Larry E. Purcell Sr., Marines and Air Force.

Bryan County High School JROTC’s color guard presented the colors. Ellis Floyd, the son of Alex and Kristin Floyd, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Brandie Williams performed the National Anthem, and Drew Barnes, vice commander of American Legion Post 164, lead the invocation. Alex Floyd was speaker.

Audie Powell, who served in the Marines, performed taps. The Rev. Robbie Joyner gave the invocation.

Richmond Hill’s annual Memorial Day Observance was also Monday at J.F. Gregory Park, with local girl scouts handing out programs. The annual laying of the wreath at the veteran’s memorial was conducted by Lt. Col. Timothy Decker and retired Sgt. First Class Cliff Rash.

The Rev. Steve Lane gave the invocation while a 3rd Infantry Division Color Guard posted the colors. Angie Thacker performed the National Anthem and Mayor Russ Carpenter introduced Rash, who now serves as a pastor at Compassion Christian.

Richmond Hill’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7331 also participated in the event.

Gilbert Miller and Jeff Whitten contributed to this story.