The West Township Memorial Association’s Memorial Day service at Moultrie Chapel Monday will feature guest speaker Ken Bandy of Knox Township sharing the story of a young man from Lynchburg in West Township, who was killed in action at the Battle of Murfreesboro, Tenn., during the Civil War, and is buried at Moultrie Cemetery. (Submitted photo)

MOULTRIE — The West Township Memorial Association will host its Memorial Day service Monday at Moultrie Chapel, state Route 172, Moultrie. The chapel is located 2 miles east of New Franklin, north of Minerva.(23577 state Route 172, Minerva)

Vice President Jeff Haynam will welcome and lead the outdoor program which consists of The Honor Guard from the VFW Post 4120 of Minerva giving a salute, followed by Katie Reusser playing Taps. This is followed by a march throughout the cemetery to lay fresh cut flowers on veterans final resting places. Iva Lowmiller, fifth grader from Minerva Elementary School, will recite the Gettysburg Address. Patriotic music will be provided by the Minerva Community Band, under the direction of Derrick Maxey. At the conclusion of the outside program attendees are invited to move into the Historical Moultrie Chapel.

The program inside the Chapel will include speaker Ken Bandy from Knox Township. Bandy is an army veteran of the Vietnam era, a retired attorney, and history buff. He has spoken on several occasions for historical societies. His story “Remembering Roger” about World War II soldier Roger W. Taylor from Beloit, killed in The Battle of the Bulge, was one of his well-received presentations, held at the Beloit Historical Society. Bandy’s title of his speech for this Memorial Day is “The Story Beneath the Stone.” While honoring and remembering all who have died in America’s conflicts, Bandy will tell the story of a young man from Lynchburg in West Township, who was killed in action at the Battle of Murfreesboro, Tenn., during the Civil War, and is buried at Moultrie Cemetery. Attending veterans will be recognized. Special music, including songs of the Civil War, will be provided by Minerva High School graduating senior Megan Lynn. President Shirley Whiteleather Fox will preside over the indoor service. It will conclude with Joesph Ellis leading a congregational sing. Ice cream will be served after the service. This tradition has been carried on since the start of Memorial Day, many years ago, and all are welcome to attend.

The West Township Memorial Association includes: Shirley Whiteleather Fox, president; Jeff Haynam, vice president; Diana Richeson, secretary: William Ellis, treasurer; Stephen Smith, Katie Reusser, Joseph and Sarah Ellis.