By: Tracy Sanders, Co-Editor | tracy@thewoodrufftimes.com
WOODRUFF, S.C. — On Monday, May 26, 2025, the Woodruff community gathered at McKinney Park to honor the nation’s fallen heroes during a solemn Memorial Day ceremony. The event also highlighted McKinney Park as the future site of the Woodruff Veterans Memorial, a project dedicated to commemorating local veterans.
The ceremony featured a moving lineup of speakers, each bringing powerful personal stories of service and sacrifice.
Master Sergeant Brian Richards, U.S. Army and two-time Afghanistan War veteran, delivered remarks.
Third Class Gunner’s Mate Tom Davies, a U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient, also spoke.
The keynote speaker, Sergeant Terry Simmons, U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and a surviving veteran of the Battle of Hamburger Hill, offered a deeply personal tribute to fallen comrades. His words painted a vivid picture of bravery, loss, and brotherhood forged in combat.
The ceremony included the playing of “Taps,” giving attendees a solemn moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by service members throughout history.
The Woodruff Veterans Memorial Committee, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is leading the charge to establish a permanent tribute to local veterans at McKinney Park. The committee’s officers and members include: Chairman: Greg Ryan
Vice Chairman: Brian Richards
Treasurer: Morgan Andrews
Secretary: Michael Thompson
Members: Tom Davies, Angelique Jarvis-Simmons, Douglas Jones, Karyn Page-Davies, Charles Richards
The committee continues to seek support and involvement from the community to bring the memorial to fruition.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.wdfvets.org.
As plans for the Woodruff Veterans Memorial progress, this year’s Memorial Day ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the price of freedom and the community’s unwavering commitment to honoring those who paid it.
Author: Tracy Sanders
