Three Young Duck Hunters Remembered - story of the ceremony held

[artcarney_agr]

Hey guys,

This was emailed to me, and I thought that I would share.



Monument at Little Bear serves as memorial
— Misti Drew/Tribune-Courier.


Dozens gathered lakeside for the dedication ceremony
By Misti Drew
Tribune-Courier News Editor
mstrader@tribunecourier.com

GILBERTSVILLE – The winds were calm and the waters of Kentucky Lake smooth and reminiscent of glass Sunday afternoon as dozens of people gathered for the monument dedication ceremony at Little Bear. It was a far different setting from the freezing winds, icy rain and four-foot water swells that hindered search and recovery efforts earlier this year. Calm skies prevailed this time, and peace seemed to loom in the air.

Organizers of the ceremony had placed the two foot by three-foot wide granite stone near the water’s edge. A stone bench placed alongside the monument provides a clear view over the hillside and out into Kentucky Lake.

Inscribed on the monument are the names of the three young men, McKenzie Stanley, Jacob Scott and Trevor Williams, who lost their lives, while duck hunting Jan. 10 on Kentucky Lake. A graphic featuring three crosses, three ducks flying overhead, and an etching of the boy’s faithful canine companion, who also perished, appears on the memorial.

In addition to the monument, three trees were planted in honor of the boy’s memory at the site. Planted alongside the three trees are two rose bushes, when, in bloom, will symbolize the efforts of the hundreds of men and women who worked weeks on end to bring the boys home.

Pastor Mike Donald of Pathway Baptist Church in Calvert City, offered the prayer of dedication for the monument. Donald served as clergyman throughout the search and recovery mission. In his dedication, he told the story of Horatio Spafford.

Spafford was a successful lawyer and father of five children. He lost his only son in 1871. Then, in 1873, Spafford made plans to travel to Europe with his family on the S.S. Ville du Havre.

However, Spafford was delayed on business and sent his family ahead.

While crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the ship collided with another known as the Loch Earn, and quickly sank. All four of Spafford’s daughters perished. His wife Anna survived, and sent him the now famous telegram, which contained only two words, “Saved alone.” It is said that Spafford immediately set sail, traveling the same waters that had just claimed the lives of his daughters. He was taken to the exact point where their ship was believed to have sank. It is said, at that moment, Spafford was inspired to pen the now infamous hymn, “It is well with my soul.” Donald told family members it is his prayer that in time, faith will lead them to have the same peace, as well.

The story drew emotion from those gathered at the site. As every head bowed and every eye closed for the pastor’s prayer of dedication, a flock of geese could be heard far off in the distance. As the trademark sounds of their honking and billowing grew closer, many in the crowd said they were tempted to catch a glimpse of the birds flying overhead. In what many described as a “God sent moment,” three geese flew over the rocky water’s edge, their sounds permeating the afternoon air. It brought about another sudden stir of emotion from many in the crowd.

While family members chose not to make an official announcement at the ceremony, David Scott, father of Jacob said, “We just want to express our sincerest appreciation and thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for what they have done from the day this all began, to the day it ended.”

Here is the link to the story: http://www.tribunecourier.com/....html

[CaymasRodney]

It was just so hard on all the families and friends of those young men, it did bring every one in the five county area together though. We meet several of the family members at the shop during this tragic time and i was impressed with the way they were holding up, very nice bunch of people and my prayers still go out to them. I have a grand son who goes to Graves Co High School and i still worry about him while out hunting. What can i say, i am glade the famlies finally got some closure. It was all very sad.

[Fiddlefarter]

Thanks for sharing that

[stratos284]

Thats great to have something to remember them by
It will put a lump in your throat, trust me

[Daniel]

That's a nice memorial. Still a very sad event. My son's name is Jacob Scott like one of the young boys. He's 8 and loves the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. It certainly hits home as to how things can happen. for the family

[Jason Hale]

Thanks for sharing.

[Dave Stewart]

Every time I go by that area on the water now this sad event comes to mind. It serves to remind me that no matter how much time I have on these big lakes that I need to be ever watchful for changing conditions and take no chances because mother nature does not discriminate when it comes to those who challenge her.