VFW Post 4055 was on hand at the Memorial Day Ceremony to commemorate the men and women who gave their lives in service for the United States. The ceremony was held at the Platte City cemetery at 10 a.m. Monday.
After a welcome and introduction by the Platte City Area Chamber of Commerce, VFW 4055 Post Commander Bill Probst, called to attention the Color Guard and Boy Scout Troop 1351 presented the colors. Those in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Annabelle Sweet performed the National Anthem.
Platte City Police Chaplain and senior pastor of the Bethel House of Prayer, Michael Lazio, provided the invocation. The laying of the wreath was done by members of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Mayor Tony Paolillo presented the necrology of the service men and women who have been interned at the cemetery in the last year.
Colonel Barrett W. Golden, Commander of the Mission Support Group, 139th Airlift Wing, Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, was introduced by Tricia Fridell, Executive Director of the Chamber. A summary of Colonel Golden’s illustrious career was provided before he spoke briefly about some of his experiences and honored three fallen comrades.
The color guard performed the rifle salute and Taps, followed by a rendition of American the Beautiful sung by Lauren Talley. Lazio offered the benediction and the Boy Scouts and VFW Post 4055 closed out the ceremony with the retiring of colors.
Approximately 500 flags were placed at the gravesites of service members two days prior to Memorial Day by members of the Lions Club and VFW.