The Shadow
July 4th got off to a very patriotic tribute with four World War II veterans serving as Grand Marshalls to this year’s parade. John Owens, Marion Noel, Jack Cassell and Louis Silcox served their country well and the people showed out to thank them. Following these veterans were two comrades from Curtis A Smith VFW Post 1033 in Covington – Chaplain Paul Linkenhoker and Past Commander Dale Comer.
After the parade ended VFW Post 1033 from Covington and VFW Post 4299 from Clifton Forge laid a wreath to honor those who are Prisoners of War and Missing in Action (POW/MIA). The lone chair draped in a black cover symbolizes these veterans and serves as a remember we will never forget. Virginia Highlands Pipes and Drums played bagpipes for this very solemn occasion.
The Historical Masonic Theater came to life as area veterans and first responders were recognized for their service to our community as part of the celebration of America’s 248th birthday.
The program was opened by Bill Atherholt, treasurer of Clifton Forge Main Street. I am also VFW Post 1033 Quartermaster. This event has been held annually since 2009 when Dr. Jack Backels started this ceremony to educate, entertain and celebrate the birthday of our nation. Dr. Jack Backels passed away July 3, 2024. He will be greatly missed by our community.
The flag was presented to the stage by Army veteran Debbie Laudermilk followed by the singing of the National Anthem led by Alan Dale Craft and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Israel Washington.
The First Responders were recognized next.
Those in attendance were:
Clifton Forge Officer, Maurice Wimberly. US Army veteran having served in Egypt and Romania
Dakota Murillo, Sargeant, Army National Guard having served in Afghanistan
Clifton Forge Chief of Police, Scott Bowser
Alleghany County Sheriff Kyle Moore
Virginia State trooper Robert Dudley
Superintendent CFFD, CFEMS and Fire Marshall Robbie Boyd, 32 years with CFFD
Clifton Forge Rescue Squad Teresa Gibson and Fernando Lopez
Jenny Oeltjen, Army veteran, gave a presentation on Women in the Military. From the battlefields of the American Revolution to the deserts of Kuwait, women have been serving in the military in one form or another for more than 200 years.
The following is a glimpse of women in the military, and how their roles have changed over the years:
From the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I to today, women have played an important role in supporting troops in many different ways. It started in the Revolutionary War when they traveled with the troops and took care of their needs by feeding, doing laundry and healing wounds.
World War II is notable because it was the first time women – who did not even have the right to vote – were allowed to openly serve in the U.S. military.
In 1948, three years after the end of World War II, President Harry S. Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act into law, officially allowing women to serve as full, permanent members of all branches of the Armed Forces.
Approximately 11,000 women were stationed in Vietnam during the nearly 20-year war. 90% of these women were nurses in the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The next presentation was the Freedom of the African Americans given by Bryson Roades of Boys Home. A brief history was given including the Emancipation Proclamation which was issued by President Abraham Lincoln and took effect on January 1, 1863. On June 19, 1865, the day now recognized as Juneteenth, US Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to proclaim the war had ended and so had slavery in the Confederate states.
Jenny Oeltjen, with the help of Ashton Crawford, Bryelle Smith, Olivia Maupin and Gwen Halterman, shared excerpts of the Declaration of Independence.
Bill Atherholt recognized veterans with this opening statement, “Think about how we retained our independence throughout the last 248 years. That independence has been maintained by the veterans of our armed services, some of whom are here today. Not only have they maintained our independence but they also saved our nations from potential evil governments as in Germany and Japan in WWII and South Korea in 1950 to 1953. Think about the wars after Korea in which these veterans on this stage today fought Vietnam, Granada, Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan. Some veterans here today may have fought in no wars, but they raised their right hand and took that sacred oath as all servicemembers have done. They would have been ready if ordered into combat.
The most touching part of the program for me is always the service songs medley where veterans from all branches of the service are recognized – Navy, Army, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and United States Space Force.
We want to recognize four very special veterans who were all seated on the front row. We were indeed honored to have four World War II veterans in the house. Some were wearing hats which said WWII and Korea. Thank you, gentlemen, for all you did for the United States of America. We salute you, Jack Cassell, Marion Noel (Navy), Louis Silcox and John Owens (Army – 102 years old). Hope to see you all next year.
Atherholt’s closing remarks was a tremendous thank you to all of those who came and were a part of the parade and ceremonies held today—Clifton Forge Main Street, Stars and Stripes Celebration Committee, veterans, first responders and a special thank you to Mott Atherholt for her dedication and support over the last 12 years.
The event closed with the introduction of the Beverly family – a true American family. All are sons or grandsons of deceased WWII veteran Paul Beverly of Iron Gate. They led audience in singing God Bless America.
