The ultimate sacrifice; remembering the fallen on Memorial Day
By Karyn Czar
May 25, 2026 at 8:42 AM EDT
Memorial Day is a solemn time to remember the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. armed forces, law enforcement and public service. Across the country, communities are hosting ceremonies, wreath-laying events, and flag displays to honor them.
At one event here in Kentucky leading into the holiday, Kentucky State Police held their annual memorial ceremony featured the names of the fallen, a wreath-laying presentation, and members of the KSP Honor Guard.
KSP cadets at attention during 2026 Memorial Service. (5712x4284, AR: 1.3333333333333333)
Trooper Scotty Sharp said the Kentucky State Police Department is a family, and they are committed to remembering those lost and supporting the loved ones left behind.
"Each year we get together at the law enforcement memorial to remember those fallen troopers, officers and highway patrolmen who have lost their lives," Sharp said. "We don't forget them."
At the 2026 Memorial Service, a display honored 39 KSP members who have died in the line of duty. (5712x4284, AR: 1.3333333333333333)
Sharp said this year’s ceremony was particularly significant because research led to the identification of two Kentucky Highway Patrolmen, James Stevens and Frank Bell. Stevens was shot March 26, 1937, and Bell died in a car crash Jan. 2, 1939.
2026 Memorial Service a wreath was presented at KSP headquarters to honor the fallen. (4032x3024, AR: 1.3333333333333333)
KSP cadets at attention during 2026 Memorial Service. (5712x4284, AR: 1.3333333333333333)
Trooper Scotty Sharp said the Kentucky State Police Department is a family, and they are committed to remembering those lost and supporting the loved ones left behind.
"Each year we get together at the law enforcement memorial to remember those fallen troopers, officers and highway patrolmen who have lost their lives," Sharp said. "We don't forget them."
At the 2026 Memorial Service, a display honored 39 KSP members who have died in the line of duty. (5712x4284, AR: 1.3333333333333333)
Sharp said this year’s ceremony was particularly significant because research led to the identification of two Kentucky Highway Patrolmen, James Stevens and Frank Bell. Stevens was shot March 26, 1937, and Bell died in a car crash Jan. 2, 1939.
2026 Memorial Service a wreath was presented at KSP headquarters to honor the fallen. (4032x3024, AR: 1.3333333333333333)