The event will take place Monday at noon in Delbarton’s Town Square, where Rev. Lewis Hall, pastor of the Ragland Freewill Baptist Church and a U.S. Navy veteran, will serve as speaker. This will be followed by the dedication of the CBM Howard W. Bannister Memorial Bridge on Corridor “G” at the mouth of Chattaroy.
Chief Howard W. Bannister was serving on a River Assault craft as a member of an elite Navy Seal Team in Long An, South Vietnam. During a covert operation, the craft took a hit from an enemy recoilless rifle round on July 11, 1967, ending his life.
Gerald L. Chafin, a former Mingo County sheriff and special projects director for the Delbarton VFW, will serve as master of ceremonies for the Memorial Day ceremony and bridge dedication. The Rev. Fred Dillon, a veteran, will give the invocation. Rush Dempsey will post the colors; the color guard are Bobby L. Jarrell and Jeremy Jarrell. Delbarton Mayor John W. Preece will give the welcome. Jimmy Chafin and Gordon Mills will be in charge of the placing of a memorial wreath. The DA V. Chapter 141 of Belfry, Ky., will give a 21-gun salute and taps.
Ryleigh JoVarney Pyszkowski, a fifth grade student at Delbarton Elementary School, will recite the poem written by him in 2008 and entitled, “My Vet - My Pappy - My Hero.” The Rev. Ron Page will pronounce the benediction at the bridge dedication.
Further information may be obtained from Gerald L. Chafin, cell phone (304) 784-0424, or Gordon Mills, (304) 475-3728. The public is invited to attend.
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