Rep. Clay Doggett honors fallen at Giles County Memorial Day ceremony

Representative Clay Doggett delivered the keynote address at the Memorial Day ceremony in Pulaski, Giles County, on Monday, honoring service members who died in military service and thanking their families for sacrifice.

"Freedom is never free," the ceremony's emcee said in opening remarks before introducing Doggett, who told attendees that Memorial Day was "not merely to observe a holiday, but to remember" those who "paid the ultimate price so that the rest of us could live in liberty." Doggett noted the country's 250th anniversary in 2026 and urged passing on a measured patriotism to future generations: "We will teach our children the true meaning of patriotism, not as blind loyalty, but as grateful responsibility."

The program featured the posting of colors by local veteran groups, an opening prayer by Tommy Paula, the Pledge of Allegiance led by area youth, and the National Anthem sung by Asha Moody. After Doggett's remarks, County Mayor Captain Graham Stowe read the names of Giles County veterans who died since last Memorial Day while Lingleville Scout Troop 46 placed small flags in their honor. Organizers urged family members present to collect a flag for their loved one and invited anyone who believed a name had been missed to come forward.

The presenter thanked several local veteran organizations listed during the program, including Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4577, American Legion Post 60, and Disabled American Veterans Sam Davis Post 97, and acknowledged the Giles County Honor Guard and the Giles County Veterans Alliance. Attendees applauded at the conclusion of the National Anthem and at the end of the keynote.

Organizers said the event would remain available on the fire department's Facebook page for those unable to attend, and the American Legion will serve a post-ceremony meal. The ceremony concluded with the public reading of names and an invitation to the community to continue honoring those who served.

Note on transcript: the event transcript introduces the keynote as "Representative Clay Doggett" but contains one line introducing "Representative Todd." The article attributes the address to Representative Clay Doggett in accordance with the transcript's repeated references to Doggett and the closing acknowledgement that follows his remarks.