Memorial services held across the state

<br>ENID, Okla. (AP) _ A Memorial Day ceremony at the Wall of Honor was held Monday to honor three Oklahoma servicemen killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. <br><br>Army Pvt. Jerod R. Dennis of Antlers, Lance

Monday, May 26th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

ENID, Okla. (AP) _ A Memorial Day ceremony at the Wall of Honor was held Monday to honor three Oklahoma servicemen killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Army Pvt. Jerod R. Dennis of Antlers, Lance Cpl. Thomas Alan Blair of Broken Arrow and staff Sgt. Aaron Dean White of Shawnee received senatorial citations and had their names entered on a memorial stone, said Elaine Johns, who oversees the park and garden at Woodring Airport in Enid.

A Texas airman also remembered.

Dennis, 19, was killed April 25 in a gun fight with Afghan rebels in eastern Afghanistan.

Blair, 24, disappeared during fighting on the outskirts of Nasiriyah, Iraq, and was later confirmed killed in action.

White, 27, died Thursday in a helicopter crash in central Iraq, along with three other Marines.

The ceremony was just one of several held across the state honoring those who served in wars both recent and long-past.

A four-hour service was held at the Veterans Memorial Plaza across from the state Capitol.

A wreath-laying ceremony was held in Tulsa's Memorial Park Cemetery, and programs were held at Fort Gibson National Cemetery, Oklahoma City's 45th Infantry Division Museum and at Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin.

On Sunday, the Central Christian Church in Enid recognized veterans and current members of the armed forces during its regular service.

The Rev. John McLemore spoke about Christian patriotism and honored those who served, particularly veterans of World War II, whose ranks are thinning.

McLemore offered thanks to veterans, saying the community and country appreciate their sacrifices.

In the church lobby, members contributed war memorabilia.