Frank Medlen was overwhelmed and elated with the community members that showed up for Friday morning’s Flags of the Fallen Ceremony at his home in Vincennes.
Medlen, an Iraqi War Veteran says he wasn’t planning on hosting an event this year….but an outpouring of support from the community changed his mind. The City of Lawrenceville purchased 2-thousand miniature U.S. Flags to be planted by volunteers. Medlen says he’s also received donations of funds from individuals and other civic groups moved by last year’s ceremony. The flag amount for this year totaled well over 33,000.
Medlen also issued a challenge to surrounding counties to get involved.
Friday morning’s event was also attended by Medal of Honor recipient Sammy Davis from Freedom, Indiana. Davis said he heard about the event from a fellow veteran and called Medlen asking if he could attend and say a few words on behalf of veterans.
Davis who travels to numerous events like this around the country says the sacrifices of our men and women in the military should never be forgotten. TAPS was played and veterans attending the ceremony released six doves into the air as a remembrance to those who gave their all for their country.
Friday morning’s ceremony was well attended and included Vincennes Mayor Joe Yochum and Lawrenceville Mayor Don Wagner. The display is open to the public. The address is 2385 East Henry Sievers Road in Vincennes.
