Over 2700 men and boys from Cleveland County were called to serve in the Civil War and many of their descendants still live in the county.
Speaker Ned Cash implored all to take the time to honor these and all veterans that have served.
A short memorial service was held in uptown Shelby on the Court Square on May 10th. The service included that President Lincoln said: One of my favorite songs is "Dixie" and at the end of the Civil War, he ordered it to be played at the White House.
The service emphasized that regardless of affiliation, each veteran was an American who served when called.
Other monuments honoring Americans who gave the supreme sacrifice uptown include names of men from World War I and II, Korea, and Vietnam. Each holds a special place in the center of Shelby.
An interesting fact is: the Confederate Memorial Day was the inspiration for our national Memorial Day. A special day for us all to remember our history and salute each American who served. A special Memorial Day Program will be held on Sunday, May 24th at Cleveland Memorial Park, 1225 College Ave. in Shelby, at 2 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

Pictured are Sons of Confederate Veterans who placed wreaths and held a brief ceremony at the Confederate Memorial Uptown Shelby on the Square. Front row (L to R): Ned Cash, Jeffrey McGalliard, and Jason Cook (a full blooded Cherokee named Big Bird) Back row: Scott Hamby, Bill Lippincott, Josh Clarke, James Beck and Gary Byrd.

- M.A. Andrews