The community gathered to remember and honor our military service members, veterans, and their families during Madisonville Salutes held at the city park on Saturday.
During the opening ceremony, Mayor Kevin Cotton acknowledged all veterans and active military personnel in attendance, offering special recognition to a 91-year-old veteran in the crowd. He expressed pride in Madisonville for hosting events such as Madisonville Salutes, celebrating the community’s strong support for its service members.
click to download audioBrother Tim Morgan, retired from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, introduced keynote speaker Captain Andrew Yuen, a West Point graduate from Nashville, Tennessee. He said that when the U.S. Secretary of War picks up his phone, there are only about four numbers between his and Captain Yuen’s desk.
Captain Yuen shared stories of his time at West Point and the strong brotherhood of his rugby team. He spoke about how “running the hill” to a cross bearing the dog tags of twenty fallen teammates reminded them of the ultimate sacrifice and the importance of honoring those who served.
He recalled his senior year at West Point and meeting Chief Warrant Officer 3 Steve Dwyer, who was a 2009 West Point graduate whose dream was to become a pilot. Captain Yuen shared memories of their friendship and Dwyer’s accomplishment of joining the 160th at Fort Campbell, a journey that tragically ended in November 2023.
click to download audioWhat Memorial Day means to him, Captain Yuen said, is the memories and sacrifice of his friend and the precious moments Dwyer is missing with his family.
click to download audioHe encouraged everyone to honor those who serve and to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
click to download audioMayor Cotton offered additional remarks ahead of the Laying of the Wreath and the playing of Taps.
You can view the opening ceremony by going to the City of Madisonville Facebook page.
