Text and Photos
By Liz Adkins
InkFreeNews
PIERCETON — Three Pierceton men who served their country were remembered and recognized for their sacrifice during a Memorial Day ceremony at Brower Park in Pierceton on Monday, May 27.
The ceremony involved members of the Menzie-Reece American Legion Post 258 and the Boy Scouts of America.
Lewis Collier, American Legion Post 258 member, spoke about each of the Pierceton men.
Louis E. Harris was in the U.S. Army for less than two weeks when he passed away from meningitis. He was drafted in February 1968 at the age of 20.
“He didn’t die in combat but did that make him any less of a hero? No it did not,” said Collier.
Larry Workman served in the Army and died in March 1968 after being killed in action in Vietnam. He entered the U.S. Army in March 1967 and was sent to Vietnam in July 1967.
“Larry could light up a room,” said Collier. “He had a big smile and was very charismatic.”
Ernie Wallen served in the U.S. Army and arrived in Vietnam on July 4, 1969. Fifty-seven days later, he was killed in action.
Collier said he was contacted by Wallen’s platoon leader two weeks ago. The leader started a scholarship in honor of Wallen.
“We’ll have to wait, to grab them by their shoulders and thank all those men for the sacrifice they gave for each one of us for our freedoms, which we sometimes take for granted way too much,” said Collier.
Prior to the ceremony, a brief parade was held and involved local firefighters, police officers, and medical personnel.
