Partnering with The Selma Times-Journal on Veterans Day for the last few years, we have paid tribute to our deceased veterans by publishing a list of their names.

In doing so, the deaths reported were mainly from Dallas County as best could be obtained. A friend of mine from Perry County thought it appropriate and suggested we include those in Perry County as well. Since The Selma Times-Journal serves our next door neighbor Perry County, it only seems fitting we do so.

I realize Veterans Day 2012 has already come and gone, but a list of deceased Perry County veterans has just come into my possession. Therefore, I have always thought everyday should be Veterans Day so far as thanking and paying respect to those who gave of themselves for the safety and well being of all.

As Americans, we are blessed with those who have been willing to write a blank check  payable to “The United States of America,” for an amount of “up to and including their life.” That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.

It is important that we treat our veteran deaths with reverence and respect. That is the main reason for beginning this project of remembrance each year for those who departed our presence during the past year.

Family, friends and service organizations continue to remember these patriots by placing American flags on their graves as a symbol of our remembrance and a token of our respect and appreciation for their service to our country.

With that in mind, we submit the names of Perry County veterans who died during 2012, compliments of Kirk Funeral Homes. An attempt will be made to include the 2013  list in the regular roll call on Veterans Day 2013.

Gerald Osborne Hughey, January 14, 2012

Loren Fay Taylor, January 6, 2012

Alva A. Bates January 19, 2012

William Thomas Turley, January 29, 2012

Edward Lewis Aultman, Sr., February 24, 2012

James Leland Hartley, March 8, 2012

Dr. Joe Edward Davis, Jr., June, 20 2012

Billy Ray Sanders, July 23, 2012

Clyde Allen Jones, September 8, 2012

Robert O. Stevens, October 15, 2012

Hoyt Pierce Hayes, November 1, 2012

Louis Wesley Hoggle, November 3, 2012

Ronald Earl Palmer, November 13, 2012

William Wyatt Hammond, November 15, 2012

James Leake Scruggs, Jr., November 17, 2012

 

It is with a deep sense of loss and of sympathy for the family and friends we bid a belated farewell to our fellow comrades in arms. May you rest in peace. We salute you and your service to our great nation.