The Shadow
July 4th in Clifton Forge was an emotional celebration of our nation and the men and women who gave so much to help us have the freedoms we enjoy today. It is said a lot, but cannot be said enough. We owe so much to so many.
The Stars and Stripes Forever Day started with a parade led by Parade Marshalls, Dr. Jack Backels (Korean War) and John Owens (101-year-old World War II veteran). There were many floats and groups marching along and waving their flags. We salute all the veterans and first responders who made this day even more special.
Immediately following the parade, Bill Atherholt and Jenny Oeltjen laid a wreath at the VFW Post 4299 Veterans Memorial Park to honor those service members who are no longer with us. Boys Home was on hand to assist the veterans with any needs they might have. Following the laying of the wreath bagpipes were played by the Virginia Highlands Pipes and Drums. They were started in 1984 by Scottish bagpipe enthusiasts and are carrying the name forward. Bob Copenhaver, the 91-year-old original founder, marched in the parade this year.
Bill Atherholt, Treasurer of Clifton Forge Main Street and Quartermaster VFW Post 1033, opened the ceremony by reminding the audience of the purpose of the gathering. “We are here today to celebrate our nation’s birthday and recognize our veterans living in the Alleghany Highlands and our guest veterans who have served our country and our first responders who work daily to keep the people of the highlands and beyond free and safe”,
Atherholt introduced the first responders. These are the dedicated Americans who were seldom recognized in the past. This group consists of our police forces, our rescue and emergency medical units and our fire response units.
The next part of the program was set in the time frame of 1773. Captain Hill (Dave Oeltjen portrayed) gave an informative presentation on being a Privateer during the American Revolution. His lesson was entitled “How a rogue navy of private ships helped win the American Revolution”. While privateers differed from pirates because they received legal authorization to operate through an official “letter of marque (MARK) and reprisal, “the distinction, meant little to those who encountered the marauders on the high seas”.
We move into a new time frame, 1776. The signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Excerpts were read from The Declaration of Independence by fellow veterans Jenny Oeltjen, Jacy Burdette and Angela Kimberlin.
We move forward to the freedom of African Americans. Atherholt said “There was a segment of the population in 1776 that did not hear the words “Give me Liberty or give me Death”. That segment was some of the descendants of the African slaves who came in 1619. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, giving slaves their freedom. On June 19, 2021, President Joe Biden declared Juneteenth a national holiday. Clifton Forge Main Street has been a lead supporter of the last two Clifton Forge Juneteenth Celebrations.
Setting the stage for the introductions of veterans, the American flag was presented by Former Navy Corpsman and VFW Post 1033 Commander, Shawn Wright, and the singing of the National Anthem by Alan Dale Craft. Lilly Burns introduced and led in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Atherholt gave a brief description of each war and the conditions under which these veterans fought beginning with World War I (no survivors) and World War II (two local survivors, John Owens who was present for the program, and Will Camp who was unable to attend).
Atherholt asked all veterans to stand and be recognized on this July 4th, 2023, our nation’s 247 birthday. It is always a heartwarming part of the program when the veterans are introduced to the playing of the songs for all five branches of the military. There is pride in the veterans and their families as their song is played and they are honored.
It is always a ritual at this event to introduce the Empty Chair. The Empty Chair is a reminder that there remain veterans of all wars that may be prisoners of war or veterans declared Missing in Action. The chair is to honor them as a symbol of their not being present but with the hope that they will soon return. If you have never seen this presentation, please try to find one in your area. It is a very emotional tribute to the VETERAN.
The program closed by recognizing Dr. Jack Backels who served in the Korean War and was designated a nuclear veteran by serving on Navy ships during atomic bomb tests in the Pacific Ocean. Backels created the Stars and Stripes Celebration in Clifton Forge. He is a member of VFW Post 1033 in Covington.
The program closed with Mr. Atherholt saying “thank you” to all the first responders, the audience, and theater staff, and the volunteers that helped with the veteran’s parade. A very special appreciation was given to Mott Atherholt, the Stars and Stripes Committee Chairman. Mott can always be found at patriotic events in her area and always gives her all.
It has been an honor and a privilege to write this story and recognize all those heroes, on and off the battlefield who gave so much to the Alleghany Highlands. Thank you all for your service.
