HENDERSON – More than 5,200 white crosses all in rows.

Some in the sun, some in shade. All with flags. And names. And stories.

And all represented deceased veterans tied to Henderson County.

That’s what makes up the annual Memorial Day crosses display in Central Park, which has been put up this week with the help of volunteers young and old.

“I’d like to sit up in that gazebo and listen to all those stories,” said American Legion Color Guard Commander Jim Hanley, who has overseen the effort since the early 2000s. “They go all the way from World War I on up.”

Volunteers from North Middle School?and the Women’s Addiction Recovery Manor have provided most of the labor again this year, including cleaning the crosses, putting down the plastic bases, loaded up all those crosses on racks, and more.

And of course, Hanley wants to make sure that Morris Tool and Plastics gets their share of the credit for the display that brings tears to the eyes of many each year. That local firm makes the plastic crosses (for decades they were wooden and painted) for free.

As for anyone who isn’t currently among the ranks of the crosses and should be, Hanley said, “I’ll try up until Memorial Day to get anybody’s name on there. But it?won’t be in alphabetical order.”

Those who would like to add a name can call the American Legion Post at?270-827-8827.