The U.S. has been an independent country for 250 years, and to celebrate those who have served in its armed forces, Christian Care Communities hosted a ceremony on Thursday, presenting veterans with certificates of appreciation.
Before Hopkinsville Mayor J.R. Knight presented the veterans with certificates, he thanked them for their service. As folks prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, Knight says it’s important to remember that the nation’s strength comes from everyday people who have made extraordinary commitments and sacrifices.
Christian Care Communities Executive Director Luanne Tatum says her grandmother, who passed away a couple of months ago at the age of 102, was a World War II veteran and thought it was important to honor the service of their residents while they were still alive.
Bonnie Shaw attended the ceremony to honor her late husband, Harold Shaw, who was a resident at Christian Care Communities and passed away in October 2025. Shaw carried a picture of her husband and shared that he served four years in the Air Force and was stationed in Korea. She also shared that her late brother, Roy Robertson, served in World War II and was a prisoner of war in Germany before returning home.
At the ceremony, 12 veterans received certificates, including Harlan Beck, a 100-year-old World War II veteran. The rest of the recipients include:
- John Brumfield
- Aretis Edds
- William Jacobs
- George Devore
- Charles Norfleet
- Lyle Norfleet
- James Parker
- Robert Price
- Diana Quarles
- Joseph Schramm
- Jackal West
