Memorial Day service set May 27
All residents from around the Shackelford County area are invited to attend the Albany Lions Club sponsored Memorial Day service held at the Aztec Theater on Monday, May 27, at 6:00 p.m.
This is the second year that the Lions Club has been in charge of the annual event. It was previously sponsored for decades by the Lee’s Legion chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The annual service is an opportunity for the community to come together to honor all military veterans, especially those that originated from Shackelford County, remember those who have served and still serve in the military, and to celebrate the freedoms that Americans have today that were received only because of the sacrifice of those who fought and still fight for our country.
John Matthews, a World War II veteran, rancher, and local resident of Shackelford County, will be the speaker at the event.
“John Matthews is the only surviving World War II veteran in the county that I know of,” said -Lions Club member Sandi Conway. “He is 100 years old and has many stories of his time in the military.”
The names of recently departed veterans from Shackelford County will be read during the service.
Those who know of veterans from the Shackelford County area who have died recently are encouraged to contact Conway, so those names can be added to the list.
Conway can be contacted at 325-762-2198.
During the service, Megan (Schooler) Ledbetter will be singing patriotic songs, including the National Anthem, accompanied by Doyleen Terrell on the piano.
Members of the Albany Boy Scouts will be serving as the color guard for the ceremony.
Shackelford County judge Bob Skelton will lead the pledge of allegiance, and local service veteran Dan Key will play taps.
Conway hopes to attract a large and diverse crowd this year.
“The service is not just for older veterans,” Conway said. “I want people to know that everyone is invited, no matter who you are or how old you are.”
She added that in the past, primarily senior citizens attend the event.
“I really hope that young people and children decide to show up this year,” said Conway. “There are also many younger veterans that I’d like to see there.”
The Lions Club will provide refreshments following the service.
