Paducah Lodge # 217 Welcomes Home WWII Sailor

On April 8, the Paducah Elks Lodge 217 was proud to take part in the memorial ceremonies for

the late Hal Allison , Petty Officer Second Class, USN. Seaman Allison lost his life in the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. Through DNA testing, his remains were identified and were sent back to his hometown of Paducah some 80 years following his death.

A graveside service with full military honors for Hal Allison was held at Maplelawn Park Cemetery followed by a reception at Walker Hall. Members of his family, some who traveled from California and others from various towns in Kentucky, were present for these events. Ms. Brenda Lowe, Allison’s niece, accepted the flag which draped his casket. This ceremony included a 21 gun salute.

At 2:30 the same afternoon, the Elks Lodge paid tribute to FC2 Allison with a flag retirement ceremony and a presentation of the Kentucky State Elks Association, Medal of Valor to his family. Following an introduction by ER Greg Shelton, Mr. Kevin Nelson past ER, conducted the Flag Retirement rites for the family. Ms. Pamela Bottoms, another niece, was presented the flag and the "Medal of Valor” by our state President, Johnny Jones. The flag will be officially retired during the lodge Flag Day ceremony on June 14th in honor of FC2 Hal Allison.

Our Lodge is so grateful for the service of Petty Officer Hal Allison and others who lost their lives on that horrific day. God Bless these families for the loss of their loved ones, and “God Bless America”.

Paducah Lodge # 217