Lees Creek conducted its 93rd annual Memorial Day service Monday afternoon with the traditional parade from the Wayne Township Hall in Lees Creek to the cemetery about one-quarter mile away.
Clinton County Common Pleas Court Judge John W. “Tim” Rudduck , a U. S. Army veteran, gave an informative and inspirational address to a large crowd gathered at the cemetery. He gave a brief history of how decorating the graves of Civil War soldiers evolved from Decoration Day to the modern holiday we call Memorial Day, and praised the contributions of those who have served in the military for making it possible for us to enjoy the freedom we have.
“Every person doesn’t need to be a veteran, but every person does need to be a patriot,” he said.
Wayne Township Trustee Kevin Bean served as master of ceremonies for the event and read the names of all the veterans buried in the Lees Creek Cemetery from the Revolutionary War to the present time. Bob Bean placed a floral decoration at the site in the cemetery honoring our unknown soldiers, and Shelby Williams read the Gettysburg Address.
The East Clinton High School Band provided several musical selections including the Star Spangled Banner and the Battle Hymn of the Republic, and Bob Gates gave the invocation and benediction.
