Fayette resident and U.S. Navy veteran Kirk Besgrove was awarded a Quilt of Valor by the Peacemakers Quilters for his 25-year career in service to this nation.

Serendipitously, at the same time Besgrove received the quilt, his granddaughter, Bryleigh Dodson, was one of the Fayette High School band members chosen to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery during the band’s trip to Washington D.C. 

Besgrove joined the Navy on April 24, 1984, and retired as Master Chief on June 30, 2009.

The quilt presentation took place during the annual Memorial Day service on Sunday afternoon at the courthouse lawn. 

The Peacemakers Quilters have awarded nearly 60 Quilts of Valor. Group members include Jo Rohr, Linda Lembke, Connie Shay, Dorothy Jean Ayres, and Julie Menees.

Lisa Cook, Regent of the Howard County Chapter of the Daughters of the America Revolution, returned as the Master of Ceremonies for Sunday’s service. 

Music was performed by Mark Thompson and Pastor Jamie Page.

Harold Myers, a member of the White-Bell Post of the  American Legion, delivered the invocation before members of the Boy Scout Troop 62 raised the flag. Myers also gave the closing Benediction.

Also from the American Legion, Dennis Barton led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance, Ben Roberts gave recognition of military members who are Prisoners of War or are considered Missing in Action, and Josh Kirby recognized veterans attending the service.

Fayette Mayor Jeremy Dawson welcomed all who attended the service. The keynote address was delivered by Rev. Kerry Kesey from the First Christian Church. 

Members of the  Howard County Chapter of the Daughters of the America Revolution laid the memorial wreath at the veterans memorial as Taps was played.