Darrell Pickett, left, looks onward as Command Sgt. Maj. Phillip Gearlds accepts the Patriot Award from the Barren County Veterans Association. The ceremony was held at Glasgow Municipal Cemetery on Monday, May 30, 2022.
(BRENNAN CRAIN/WCLU NEWS)
GLASGOW — Raising their hands to their brow, a handful of veterans saluted the American flag as it was raised over Glasgow Municipal Cemetery during a service Monday to commemorate Memorial Day.
The ceremony was hosted by the Barren County Veterans Association. Families, community leaders and servicemembers were among the crowd.
“Memorial Day honors the men and women who died while in military service to our country,” said Darrell Pickett, chairperson of the local veterans association.
The Glasgow Community Band resurfaced at the event after nearly two years. The band did not play at local events due to the pandemic. They played various selections, including military branch songs and the National Anthem. Robbie Fudge conducted the music.
The much-anticipated Patriot Award was also presented. The award is given to a local veteran who has made a significant contribution to the community amid their service in the military.
Command Sgt. Maj. Phillip Gearlds was presented the award. He has served as an instructor for several years at Barren County High School. He also served as the state’s command sergeant major, the most senior enlisted member of a battalion in the Army, at the end of his military career.
“There’s no place like home,” he said. “Barren County – this is our home. May God bless each and every one of you.”
Gearlds enlisted in the Kentucky National Guard in the early 1980s and served over three decades. He had a goal when he entered the armed forces, which was to become the state’s command sergeant major. He accomplished that toward the end of his career.
Sniffling through tears, Gearlds thanked his wife and family for being the “true patriots.”
The honor guard of the local chapter of the Disabled American Veterans participated in a flag raising ceremony and a gun salute. The program ended with the playing of taps.
“It is up to each of us to recognize the cost of freedom and the sacrifices necessary to keep this great republic a beacon for those who can only dream of freedom,” said Ret. Col. John Wayne Smith, Monday’s speaker.
