On a day reserved for remembrance, White Settlement's community gathered at Veterans Park to pay homage to those who've paid the ultimate price for their country. Threatening skies didn't deter locals from the morning's Memorial Day ceremony, which proceeded without the interruption of rain. In a display of patriotic fervor and youthful dedication, Girl Scout Troops 2518 and 2567 adorned the park with flags, setting a solemn stage for remembrance.
Mayor Faron Young opened the ceremony with remarks before yielding the floor to Angela Bennet-Engele. She recounted her father's bravery, Captain Steven L. Bennett, a Medal of Honor recipient who fell in the Vietnam War. "Angela’s words were a stark reminder of the enduring cost of freedom that continues on in the absence of those family members who have given their lives in defense of our nation and freedom," detailed the City of White Settlement in a social media post.
Among those honoring fallen heroes were members of VFW Post 5617 and VFW Post 8235. The ceremony also shone a light on the city's veteran employees, with Kyle from Parks and Rec and Andrew from Public Works blending into the crowd of those who once served. City Councilmembers Paul Moore and Alan Price, veterans themselves, stood as living testaments to the community's connection to military service.
