|
Lastly, the Legion unveiled a new Veterans Memorial Monument.
In attendance were state-level and district representatives of the American Legion organization as well as State Representative Lindsay Patterson.
Photo: Color Guard
| | |
The ceremony started with the color guard presenting the colors, followed by the chaplain’s prayer, the pledge of allegiance led by Poppy Queen Finleigh McCann, the recitation of the Preamble to the American Legion Constitution and a tribute to Prisoners of War and Missing in Action (POW/MIA) veterans.
Photo: Missing man tribute to POW/MIAs.
| | The table is set for one person and the chair is empty - waiting for a veteran who never returned home. Each item on the table is symbolic. The single red rose signifies blood in the loss of life; salt represents tears shed by families; the slice of lemon denotes the POW/MIA’s bitter fate; the candle is a sign of hope and it illuminates the path home to the POW/MIA’s family. Many POW/MIAs may never return home. | | |
Photo: L-R: Retired Army Major and Franklin County Veteran Service Officer Shirley May, Legion Rider Ray Boggs, Ladies Auxiliary President Sherry Murrell, Post Commander Ron Meyers, Adjutant and Vice Commander Faith Jones, American Legion District 9 Officer and Post 77 member Bridget Hayes and Chaplain Dave Parker.
Legion members on stage read from a speech honoring veterans and their families. The speech was positive in tone and covered several themes including: heroism, spirit of self-sacrifice, fighting for freedom, devotion to world peace, good citizenship, tolerance and honoring veterans along with educators, public servants and heroes of science.
| | |
Keynote speaker retired Army Major Shirley May served 40 years in the military. She spoke in general terms about freedom, leadership, compassion and dedication to country in the military. She was more personal when she talked about putting duty before self. Tears came to her eyes when she mentioned kissing her two-year-old son goodbye years ago to deploy to Desert Storm and not knowing if she would ever see him again. She said that she kissed the ground when she returned to the United States – “grateful to be back in a country built on sacrifice, service and faith.” Ms. May served in the military at the same time as her husband Scott May. She acknowledged the ache of separation that military families experience. The Mays had only four months together in a typical year, because duty called.
Ms. May stressed the importance of ceremonies and memorials to continue to tell the story of those who gave their lives for “the freedom to speak, to worship, to dream and to live in peace.”
She said, “The American Legion Post has always been the heart of our community. It is more than a building; it is a family.”
After the ceremony concluded, the audiencce moved outside for the monument unveiling.
| | |
Photo: L-R: Brookville Post Adjutant and Vice Commander Faith Jones, Indiana Department Commander Ron Patterson and Brookville Post Commander Ron Meyers.
Brookville American Legion Vice Commander Faith Jones was the driving force behind the new Veteran Memorial Monument made by Jonas Memorial Arts. She acknowledged the many donors and said, “This monument stands as a lasting tribute to all answering the call to duty, defending the principles on which our nation was founded. It is a place of remembrance and respect where future generations may cause to reflect on the price of freedom and the character of those who have safeguarded it. Their service is often given in silence and in sacrifice. It embodies the highest ideals of patriotism and duty. May this monument forever remind us of their bravery, preserve their legacy of service and inspire us all to honor their commitment to country.”
After the event concluded, families gathered for their own photos at the monument.
There will be a phase two for fundraising for the monument project. Watch for information about purchasing engraved bricks that will pave the area around the monument.
Reported by Sara Duffy
| | |
Students Honor Veterans
All five Franklin County Community Schools honored veterans on November 11, 2025. Here are photos from three school programs.
The gym wall of Brookville Elementary School (BES) was made into an impressive gallery of tribute to veterans who are related to BES students. See photos below from BES.
| | |
An estimated 150-165 veterans and their families attended the Veterans Day morning program at Franklin County Middle School, which featured breakfast, music, dance and speeches to thank Veterans. See photos below.
| | Franklin County High School served a luncheon followed by a well-attended program featuring the choir, the band and the Brookville American Legion Color Guard. Student Council Freshman Kya Searcy was one of the speakers. See photos below. | | |
Photos by School Board Members
Beth Foster and Kim Simonson
Reporting by Sara Duffy
| | |
Photo: Support Staff of the Month Terry Preston, custodian at Laurel Elementary School, with his wife Ellen. Click to read his nomination.
Educator of the Month Andrew Meyer, principal at Laurel Elementary School, with his wife Lauren. Click to read his nomination.
Staff from Laurel Elementary School.
From Franklin County Community School Corporation
Photo by The Observer
| |
METAMORA OPRY BARN
Nov 15 - Bluegrass Night with The Barnharts
Click for more information or to reserve seats.
Submitted by Metamora Performing Arts
| | |
Recycle Locations:
Franklin County Landfill, 9076 Landfill Road, (Located off U.S. Highway 52, West of Brookville), Metamora, IN 47030
513.239.0310. Monday through Saturday 8:30 – 3:00
Batesville Recycle Center, 616 John Street, Batesville, IN 47006
812.801.9099. Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1-6 pm. Saturday 8-12
From Southeastern Indiana Recycling Distirct
| | |
Please Register by November 17, 2025
| | |
Free Puppet Show
MadCap Puppets will perform "A MadCap Christmas Carol" on Saturday, November 22 at 11:30 at the K of C Hall in Brookville, as a lead-in to Main Street's "November Noel." The play is a FREE community event, funded by the Anne Thackery Children's Endowment for the Arts. After the play, the K of C will provide a hot dog and coney dog lunch prior to children going out to the Courthouse Square to enjoy the "November Noel."
Submitted by Patti Wilhelm
Franklin County Arts Council
| | |
The Franklin County Humane Society is hosting a fundraiser on November 22 at the Metamora Opry Barn. Please join us for a night of food, drinks, music, and laughs.
Tickets will include a chicken dinner courtesy of The Dairy Cottage Beverages will also be available for purchase from local vendors, Creek Bottom Brewery, Sauerland Sodas, and Backroads Vineyard. Doors will open at 5 p.m., with 90s cover band Modest Charisma kicking off the evening. The laughs will follow at 7 p.m. with nationally touring comedian Clay Foley of “Comedy to the Rescue”. Enjoy a night out before the stress of the holidays sets in.
All proceeds will benefit the mission of the Franklin County Humane Society, in our support of Franklin County pet owners. We are proud to conduct two vaccine clinics per year and provide access to high-quality/low-cost spay and neuter programs.
To secure your reservation, tickets are available at https://www.franklincountyhumanesociety.com or through the Facebook page – Franklin County Indiana Humane Society. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. We appreciate your support and hope to see you there.
Submitted by Franklin County Humane Society
| | |
The Franklin County Observer is a free news service. At the Observer, we focus our coverage on events and meetings in Franklin County.
Our volunteer staff writers are all Franklin County residents who are committed to factual, impartial news reporting.
*******************************************************
To subscribe to the Observer, just click on the JOIN OUR MAILING LIST link at the top of this page. Enter your email address.
*******************************************************
The Observer will also help spread the word about events sponsored by community groups and non-profit organizations. Just Send Us An Email with a brief announcement and we will try to publish it.
Copyright Notice:
Contact us by email to request permission to use
or to purchase a photo or article.
Copyright 2025
The Franklin County Observer
| | | | |
