In 2023, Dee Davis and her husband went to the Milford Senior Center on Memorial Day to attend the annual Memorial Day service they had attended for many years before. According to Davis, they were shocked to see the doors locked and no cars in the parking lots.
“We were shocked that there was no program,” Davis said. “I don’t know what happened, whether it was still from COVID or what, but we were really surprised and we were hopeful that it would be picked up by someone. When I heard our local state representative was asking for someone to take it on, I decided to do this.”
Retired officer Edward Huey
This year, the program will be held on Monday, May 27 at 10:30 AM in Milford High School’s Gerald W. Thompson Center for the Performing Arts.
“We felt that this was a larger facility and would make it easier for seniors to get around,” Davis said. “The parking is more accessible. We plan to follow the same program as before, honoring each one of the military branches, the missing man table and more.”
Davis said her involvement in the event was in honor of her father, a veteran himself.
“I did not serve in the military, but my father served in World War II and was a member of the VFW,” Davis said. “Growing up, we always marched in the parade, and it was a much bigger deal than it is today. They marched from the cemetery all the way through town, but I think that recognition is coming back, so we would love to have this grow. Our goal is to get more young people involved in memorializing our fallen on Memorial Day.”
Ed Huey, retired Milford Police Department Captain will emcee the event. Huey is well known in Milford as a passionate steward of his hometown and the state of Delaware. Huey has dutifully served the Milford community for 37 years.
Huey, who held badge number 5121, was born and raised in Milford, graduating from Milford High School in 1984. The youngest of eight children, Huey was a member of marching band, soccer and track. He attended Delaware Technical and Community College, graduating with an Associate’s in Applied Science in Criminal Justice. He served at Station 42, Carlisle Fire Company, became an EMT, and served on the ambulance crew. Paving his path for law enforcement, he began is emergency services career as a dispatcher with Rehoboth Beach in 1985 and returned as a seasonal officer in 1986. Huey served Laurel and Seaford Police Departments before his final move to Milford in 1989. Huey returned to school, earning his bachelor’s in Administration of Justice from Wilmington University. He also earned a private pilot’s license in rotorcraft from Horizon Helicopters in Newark. Over the years, Huey has served in a number of capacities with Milford Police Department and the Boy Scouts of America.
Master Sergeant Mercedes McCoy Garrett
Special guest and key speaker, Master Sergeant Mercedes McCoy Garrett of the United States Air Force is a distinguished member and leader amongst the ranks of the 512th Airlift Wing, Dover, DE and her squadron, the 46th Aerial Port Squadron. She currently serves as First Sergeant and Yellow Ribbon Wing Representative. Her service stretches 15 years serving in many critical roles, most notably her five stateside deployments within Mortuary Affairs supporting Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, FREEDOM SENTINEL, INHERENT RESOLVE, and SPARTAN SHIELD.
“Her experience working with families of the fallen and passion for serving others is remarkable and unmatched. We are very excited and grateful to host MSgt McCoy Garrett and eager to hear her inspiring words and accounts,” Jennifer Darlin, a member of the committee said. “We are very excited and grateful to host MSgt McCoy Garrett and eager to hear her inspiring words and accounts. With hopes of expanding our passionate and patriotic reach, engaging our youth and young adults more than ever, and cherishing our traditions as a city and community, we have big aspirations to create an unforgettable experience for our special and honored guests and the entire community. We believe MSgt McCoy Garrett will be an inspirational and perfect piece of our ceremony and look forward to hearing her!”
As part of the ceremony, volunteers will be handing out poppies, a symbol for fallen military members. The Milford Community Band will play and there will be presentations recognizing POWs, MIAs, and the Gold Star Families.
The program is free to attend and open to the public.
