Fort Donelson National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony Honors ‘Fallen Heroes’ ~ LBL

Our nation’s fallen heroes were honored with a moving and inspiring Memorial Day Ceremony, May 30, 2022 at Fort Donelson National Cemetery, Dover, Tennessee. The weather was perfect for the tribute and ceremonies that paid homage to the soldiers of the United States of America who laid down their lives for their country and countrymen.

Those who gave their lives for our country should be remembered and honored each and every day, and especially on Memorial Day.

Posting of Colors was respectfully conducted by Boy Scout Troop, 501, Dover, Tennessee under the direction of Don Terrell. A welcome was given by master of ceremonies John Ross, VFW Post 4730 Quarter Master. A welcome to the national cemetery was given by Brian K. McCutchen, Fort Donelson Superintendent.

The National Anthem was beautifully performed by Melvin Self and the moving Invocation was given by Pastor Danny Austin, Associate Pastor at Mosiac Church.

Guest speaker was Michael Rapp, Sergeant First Class, United States Army, (retired). Rapp is a 2000 graduate of Stewart County High School, Dover, Tennessee.

Following the guest speaker’s patriotic remarks, there was a Honor Roll Salute to Veterans and a reading of names of Stewart County and area veterans of all branches of the U.S. military who have passed on in the past year since the last Memorial Day ceremony at the national cemetery.

Next was a presentation of wreathes and benediction.

Ceremonial Honors Rifle Volley was presented by the Fort Campbell Honor Guard, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Taps was officially played by the Fort Campbell Honor Guard and then there was retrieving of Colors and closing remarks.

All guests and citizens were invited and encouraged to attend a meal at the Stewart County Visitors Center. The meal was provided and hosted by VFW Post 4730, Dover, Tennessee.

A static display was viewed by visitors and motorists on U.S. 79. The static display was provided by Fort Campbell and Fred Shaw’s ‘Museum of Military Culture.’ Current members of the 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky were on hand to provide information about inside and outside exhibits of the traveling museum.

Fort Donelson National Cemetery is located in historic Dover, Tennessee in Stewart County. All of the southern, or Tennessee portion, of Land Between the Lakes is located in Stewart County, Tennessee. Dover is the county seat of Stewart County.