The Shadow
VFW Curtis A. Smith Post 1033 held a Veterans Day Ceremony in front of the Alleghany County Courthouse to remember and honor veterans and to celebrate the anniversary of the end of WW1, last Saturday morning.
“As long as two comrades survive, so long will the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and its auxiliary render tribute to our heroic dead and all veterans of our military service,” said Shawn Wright, Commander, as she opened the ceremony, promptly at 11:00 a.m.
Marian Paxton, president and Chaplin, then took to the podium to pronounce the divine blessing before the small crowd joined the veterans in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
“We welcome you all to this special service, to remember and honor those men and women who have made the supreme sacrifice; to ensure that freedom is reserved for all in this land,” said Wright.
Comrades then paid respects at the monuments that list the names of those from the Alleghany Highlands who were killed in “the battles of American’s conflicts since WW1.”
A white flower, representing purity, was placed reminding future generations to “emulate the unselfish courage of all men and women who fought for freedom;” a red flower, representing devotion and everlasting remembrance, was placed in memory of the heroic dead who have fallen in defense of the United States of America; a blue flower, representing eternity, was placed to immortalize the brave deeds of soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and guards who have given their lives on land, on sea, and in the air” said Paxton.
Bill Altherholt, Vice-Commander placed a wreath, “as a symbol of our loyalty, duty, honor, and respect for those comrades who have gone before us.”
Paxton returned to the podium to give the benediction which was followed by the firing of the volley and a rendition of TAPs, to which all veterans stood at attention.
“Veterans day not only honors those who have served and sacrificed in defense of our nation but also recognizes the enduring spirit of duty, honor, and selflessness that characterizes our veterans,” said Wright. She encouraged the crowd to also take the opportunity to ask veterans questions about when, where, and why they served, in addition to the free meals, discounts, tributes, and platitudes given to veterans on Veteran’s Day. “Listen to the story that you are thanking them for. It will make all the difference to them and it might give you a greater appreciation for our veterans and the freedoms they ensure we can all enjoy,” added Wright in conclusion.
