Celebrating Memorial Day in Licking
Photo by Shari Harris
Licking VFW Post #6337 conducted a tribute to slain defenders of our country’s freedom at the Memorial for the Fallen on Memorial Day. From left, Veteran Michael Mas, Cdr. Billie Krewson, and Auxiliary President Tina Sisco.
Photo by Shari Harris
The Licking Aquatic Center marked the opening of the 2026 season on Memorial Day. This year’s staff at the pool includes, from left, front: Makayla, Brooklin, Lunden, Gavin, Peyton, Delilah, Jada and Avery; back: Hannah, Teagan, Roman, Noah, Jamie, Zach, Manager Candice Shepherd, Kara, Ally, Lesa, Paige and McKinzie. Not pictured are Manager Derek Mendenhall, Isaac, Caleb, Benton, Olivia and Conor.
Photo by Jimmie Stephens
Gary and Norma Gorman, Keely Gorman, Riar Gorman and Audie Stephens prepared for Memorial Day by placing flags on the graves of veterans at Licking Cemetery. Jimmie Stephens also assisted, but is not pictured.
Memorial Day is celebrated in a variety of ways in and around the community, and this Memorial Day’s beautiful weather limited no one’s plans.
Licking VFW Post #6337 held a commemoration in honor of all the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Commander Billie Krewson, Veteran Michael Mas, Auxiliary President Tina Sisco, and stand-in buglist Hazel Krewson conducted the ceremony Monday morning at the Memorial for the Fallen in Licking. Around 20 people were on hand for the tribute, and a wreath, white, red and blue flowers, and a flag were placed at the memorial to honor the fallen. Veteran Michael Mas included John 15:13 in his prayer – “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
In the days leading up to the holiday, many prepared by mowing cemeteries, cleaning away old, faded flowers and replacing them with bright, new arrangements, and flags were placed on the burial locations of veterans. At the Licking Cemetery, Gary and Norma Gorman had the assistance of their grandchildren, Keely and Riar Gorman, and Jimmie Stephens and son Audie in placing flags. Gary Gorman accepts donations for the flags, but makes up any shortfalls to ensure every veteran’s grave has a flag.
The Licking Cemetery Board collected funds throughout the holiday weekend for maintenance of the cemetery. The Licking Cemetery is not owned or funded by the City; all maintenance (mowing, dirtwork, etc.) at the cemetery is paid for from donations collected by the board. All donations are appreciated, and can be mailed to Licking Cemetery Board, PO Box 143, Licking, MO 65542.
Another event occurring on Memorial Day this year was the opening day of the Licking Aquatic Center. The sun was hot and this year’s lifeguards and concessions workers were ready to begin their summer jobs. Several families enjoyed the afternoon at the pool.
Other families enjoyed grilling, dinners or picnic lunches, some at family cemeteries, and, as usual, some did not get the holiday off and showed up to work at the few businesses in the area that were open. Regardless of how the day was spent, Memorial Day marked the unofficial start of summer in the community.
