Memorial Day 2026 observed in Hillsboro

The Rev. Leo Kuhn was the guest speaker at the Hillsboro Memorial Day observance on Monday, May 25, held at the Highland County Veterans Memorial outside the Highland County Courthouse. 

The U.S. Air Force veteran devoted his speech to the "Greatest Generation" – the men and women who served the nation during and after World War II.

Kuhn quoted from historian Rick Atkinson's World War II trilogy, "The Guns at Last Light." He referenced Henry A. Wright, a widower from rural southwestern Missouri, who tragically lost all three of his sons during World War II. 

The caskets bearing his sons were returned to the family home in Missouri on the same day for a joint funeral before they were buried at Hilltop Cemetery. 

Those sons who made the ultimate sacrifice were:

• Sgt. Frank H. Wright: Killed on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge;

• Pvt. Harold B. Wright: Died of wounds in a German prison camp on Feb. 3, 1945; and

• Pvt. Elton E. Wright: Killed in action in Germany on April 25, 1945, just two weeks before the war ended. 

"How can we ever forget their service and sacrifice?" Kuhn asked of the Greatest Generation. "They paid the debt because it was the right thing to do. The cost demanded of the Greatest Generation? How can we ever forget? The human cost could never be measured."

Approximately 16.4 million Americans served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. Today, between 40,000 to 45,000 WW II veterans are still living. These surviving members of the Greatest Generation are in their late 90s or over 100 years old, and their numbers continue to decline rapidly as hundreds pass away each week.

VFW Post 9094 Commander Rick Wilkin was the emcee of the Hillsboro services and introduced Kuhn following an opening prayer by VFW Chaplain and Vietnam War veteran Chuck Emery. 

During his opening remarks, Wilkin explained the origins of Memorial Day (Decoration Day) , which dates back to the Civil War, which claimed the lives of some 620,000 soldiers. 

The commemoration caught on across the nation, eventually expanding to honor fallen soldiers from all wars, but it wasn’t until 1971 that Memorial Day became a federal holiday.

Other speakers included Highland County Commission President Terry Britton, who read a proclamation by the Highland County Board of Commissioners, Highland County Veterans Service Officer Cailin Hoskins, Highland County Veterans Service Outreach Coordinator/Fiscal Officer Steph Roland, and Major Morrow, who led the solemn POW/MIA reading.

Highland County Veterans Service Outreach Coordinator/Fiscal Officer Steph Roland discusses the importance of the Buddy Poppy program during the May 25 Memorial Day observance in Hillsboro. Also pictured are Dianna Coffey and Rick Wilkin. 

The Hillsboro High School marching band, along with Dianna Coffey and Jennie Harner, performed each branch of service's song, inviting veterans from each respective branch to stand and be recognized:

• U.S. Coast Guard, “Semper Paratus;”

• U.S. Space Force,  "Semper Supra;"

• U.S. Air Force, “The Air Force Song;”
   
• U.S. Navy, “Anchors Aweigh;”

• U.S. Marine Corps, “The Marine Corps Hymn;” and
   
• U.S. Army, “The Army Goes Rolling Along.”

Wilkin thanked Jay Gross of T&G Towing for setting up bleachers for those in attendance. Wilkin also thanked the Highland County Honor Guard, Hillsboro High School band director Kevin Grow, sound technicians Brian and Lori Vance, vocalist Dianna Coffey and flutist Jennie Harner, Rick and Sherry Tipton for their work on the Veterans Memorial at Liberty Park, Cub Scout Pack 120 and all the veterans and citizens in attendance. 

Wilkin also made a special mention of Highland County Auditor and U.S. Army Reserve Captain Alex Butler, who has been called to active duty and will be stationed in Africa.

"Let's hope the Good Lord looks over Alex and all our troops," Wilkin said.

At the end of the ceremony, the Highland County Honor Guard provided the three-volley salute, along with the playing of “Taps." Leo Kuhn delivered the benediction.

Hillsboro VFW Post 9094 provided a luncheon and refreshments at the Post following the service.

Below, Highland County Commission President Terry Britton reads the commissioners' proclamation for Memorial Day 2026.

Below, are members of the Highland County Honor Guard.

Below is Highland County Veterans Service Officer Cailin Hoskins.

Below, Major Morrow, presents the solemn POW/MIA reading.