Veteran's Day - a Day to Remember

on Tue, 11/14/2006 - 16:56. Governing & Safety

Veteran's Day came and went on Saturday here in Hartsville with little fanfare. Veterans of Foreign Wars sold poppies to raise money for care of ailing vets, and on Sundays some churches held special services. War movies abounded on television, and although violence repels me, I was drawn to the screen from time to time.

Could I serve? Could I send my child off to war?

This was not an option for many men and women in the past. During WWII, young men were compelled to go and help, and off they went, leaving mothers and brides to wait and pray. The number of WWII veterans is diminishing each day, and we are rapidly losing a precious resource of history.

Rev. Terry Martin of Wesley UMC wanted to celebrate the Veterans of Wesley, and had a special service on Sunday, with a reception for them to share their memorabilia. Veterans shared items from WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm and collections from times served during peacetime. Two women served in the Navy and many men who served in the armed forces during war and peace times shared their items, and Rev. Martin shared his items from the years he served in the Reserve as a Chaplain.

Here is a photo of the men that attended the 10:30 service. Several other veterans, including two women who served in the Navy, attended the 8:30 am service and are not pictured.

Veteran's shared their memories with others; here, David Allen shares the shrapnel that was removed from his mouth during WWII, where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He read a lovely letter his mother sent to him before Christmas during the war, telling him she would gladly serve in his place... and that in this time of war, she knew that prayers of peace over the world were being said.

We all know the story of "Saving Private Ryan"; did you ever hear about a family with 8 sons that served their country? Mr. Eugene Beaver shared the story of he and his brothers, six of whom fought in WWII - four at the same exact time. Two younger sons served in the Korean War. Eugene's mother had a special flag of four stars to hang in her window during WWII, and a special commendation pin to wear with an eagle and four stars.

Please remember to honor the veterans in our community, not just during Veteran's Day but every day.

We are grateful to you all, and appreciate the sacrifices you have made.

To all the families of young men and women serving today in Iraq, know that they are in our prayers and as a community and a nation, we pray for their speedy return.