Florence Kentucky Online

Florence man, Cincinnati Police officer killed in the line of duty in Afghanastan

A Boone County High School graduate and Florence resident was killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan. Anthony Campbell was on reserve duty for the Air Force reserve. Mr. Campbell was a 1992 graduate of Boone County High School. Anthony Campbell was also a Cincinnati Police Officer. Officer Campbell leaves behind his wife, Emily, a stepson Devin, and children Jordan, 7, and Ryker, 2.

Plans are already being made to honor him and to add Anthony Campbell's name to the War on Terror monument at the Veterans Memorial of Boone County. Officer Campbell will join Conner High School graduate Christopher T. Warndorf on the War on Terror monument. Warndorf gave the ultimate sacrifice to his country in August of 2006.

Please join with everyone in the Florence and Boone County communities in praying for this family who is grieving the loss of a true American hero who gave his life protecting all of us.

You will find more information about Anthony Campbell here.

Picture of the Day: Candlelight Vigil

The first annual Blue Star Mothers of America, Northern KY Chapter 5 “Candle Light Vigil” for the troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq was held last Saturday night at the Florence Government Center on Ewing Drive.

 

Though the wind kept trying to blow out our candles, it didn’t dampen the spirits of the Blue and Gold Star Mothers and their friends who met to remember those who have given their lives or are missing in action and bless the ones who are currently serving in our country’s battle against terrorism.

 

The service offered patriotic tributes to the Blue and Gold Star Mothers, a tribute to the “Pledge of Allegiance”, and poetic tributes to our sons and daughters who are putting their lives on the line for freedom.  The music consisted of The “National Anthem” played on an electric violin, a rousing rendition of “God Bless America” and the singing of “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.  The service ended with a bagpipe playing “Amazing Grace” as the piper entered and departed the service area.

 

The speaker was Retired United States Marine Chief Warrant Officer Michael McGriff who gave us all a sense of the importance of having a wife or mother at home to support our soldiers when they are away on their missions.

 

Everyone left with a feeling of reverence and respect for our military and a vow to never forget their sacrifices in the cause of freedom.

This article was submitted to Florence Ky Online by the Northern Kentucky Blue Star Mothers.

Picture of the Day: Veterans Memorial of Boone County

Today's Picture of the Day is the Veterans Memorial of Boone County. The Veterans Memorial of Boone County is located on the campus of the Florence Government Center. Conceived in 1995 by H.B. Deatherage, the memorial was created to remember those from Florence and Boone County who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

The Memorial includes monuments for World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and for the War on Terror. The Veterans Memorial of Boone County is a place that everyone needs to visit and spend some time thinking about the sacrifice of those listed there. You can find more information about the Veterans Memorial of Boone County at its newly launched website here.