The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE - Veterans in the Alleghany Highlands were honored Wednesday during several Veterans Day observances.
A program was held at the Bath County Courthouse in Warm Springs and an 11 a.m. program was held at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College.
Judy Clark, the college’s student activities coordinator, thanked members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for participating in the program. The program was presented by Clifton Forge VFW Post No. 4299.
Doody Morris, the VFW post’s senior vice commander thanked the college for hosting the program. He also cited students in attendance.
Morris said that World War I, which was dubbed “the war to end all wars,” ended on Nov. 11, 1918. Hostilities ceased on Nov. 11 at the 11th hour after an armistice was signed.
“November 11 might still be called Armistice Day by some, but let us stop and think a minute,” Morris said. “We realize that peace was equally shared by veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq, to name a few. So Congress decided to make this day an occasion to honor all those who have served America. Many good men and women have gone forth to die. Let us on this special day honor them and remember their trek through the flames of hell.”
Members of the VFW post then demonstrated the folding of the American flag. Junior Vice Commander Richard Erskine and Chaplain Willard Camp folded the flag in 12 steps with Morris explaining what each fold means.
The program at DSLCC concluded with Morris reading a writing from the Rev. Denis Edward O’Brien of the U.S. Marine Corps entitled, “Remember.” It read in part: “It is the veteran, who salutes the flag, who served under the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protestor to burn the flag. All gave some – some gave all.”
Members taking part in the ceremony were Sid Caldwell, trustee; Erskine, Camp, Morris, Tony Lytle and David Agee.
The VFW post also held a ceremony at the Clifton Forge Armory Wednesday. The ceremony was held at noon.
The service was originally scheduled to be held at Veterans Park on Main Street in Clifton Forge. It was moved to the armory due to rain.
The message at the noon ceremony was given by Jim Rhodes, commander of VFW Post 4299.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be here today with all of you as we celebrate and remember all who have fought and died and served to preserve this land of hoped and dreams. Generations of men and women have demonstrated their willingness to put country before self. Generations of patriots who have served for the greater good, who never sought glory or recognition for their own sake, but it comes nonathletes as we honor them today,” Rhodes said.
Rhodes added: “Before we leave here today, let us offer a prayer of thanks to those who are currently serving and for the gallant souls of our departed comrades, friends and loved ones. Let us always remember the freedom they have earned for all of us and let us always draw strength and inspiration from what they have done. God bless America.”
The program concluded by reciting the pledge of allegiance and the playing of “Taps” by Erskine. Camp gave the invocation.
VFW members and other veterans attending the cremony were Jim Buchanan, Camp, Morris, Caldwell, Rhodes, Erskine, Winnie Spangler, quartermaster; Agee, Lyle, the Rev. Thomas McHenry, Mayor Don Carter, Jack Kimberlin, Jack Easter and Richard Dobbs.
