NewsCovering Kentucky

Actions

Kentuckians remember loved ones on Memorial Day

Posted at 8:22 PM, May 25, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-25 20:22:29-04

NELSON COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — All across the country, Americans took time to remember those who fought and died to protect our freedom on Memorial Day.

Lesley Young and her family started a new tradition for the last Monday in May this year. Young's father, Billy Franklin, served in U.S. Army. Franklin recently passed at the age of 83.

"I know he loved this country but he didn't talk about it a whole lot," Young said of her father. "Some of them don't because, you know, war is not pretty. It has to be for our freedom."

Following his service, Franklin got a job at coca Cola and worked there for over 40 years. He was a father, grandfather and loved his community.

Young said she almost didn't come to Franklin's grave site on this Memorial Day because the visit can be emotional.

"Sometimes it is sad," Young said. "Kind of sad that you know, death is part of life and will see him again, so I wanted to come to honor him and others as well."

Even though Camp Nelson National Cemetery didn't hold its usual ceremony due to the coronavirus restrictions, dozens of families quietly wandered row to row to pay their respects.

"Life is precious, and when people fight for you, you should be able to come and say 'I appreciate what you did for us,'" Young said. "And thank you, not only my dad, but all those who served out here because it is full of people who serve this country."