Purcell Police Detective Brayden Gulliver was the key note speaker at Monday’s annual Memorial Day Service at Hillside Cemetery.

The popular event was attended by at least 70 people, under near perfect weather conditions.

Spearheaded by Master of Ceremonies Jay Tate, the ceremony was opened and closed with prayer by Purcell Pastor Justin Blankenship.

Tate and his crew placed 1,385 American Flags on the graves of all the veterans buried at Hillside prior to the Monday event.

Helping Tate to place the flags were Penny and Phillip Taylor and family, Theresa Hendrix’s family, Jerry Don Hayes, Hendrix Hayes, Carmella, Sam and Gabe Tate, Chris Hurt and Mike McElderry.

The Purcell Police Honor Guard consisting of Gulliver, Detective Jeremy Pittman, Officer Jacob  Martz, Officer Aleqzander Carrizales and Officer Cody Gunn provided a gun salute to those remembered and taps was played.

Tate read the poem “Flanders Field” in honor of long-time ceremony organizer, the late Neil McElderry.

Near the beginning of the observance, a recording of the Lexington High School Band’s rendition of the National Anthem was played with all in attendance standing in reverence.

Pizza was served at the conclusion of the event.