The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE, Va. (VR) – Patriotism flies high in Clifton Forge, Virginia on the 4th of July from the decorated floats to the crowds of people who come out not only to celebrate this special day but also honor our area veterans. It is always so heartwarming to see World War II veteran, Marion Noel, and his son watching the parade and sitting on the front row as veterans are honored.
In keeping with celebrating our veterans, Post 4299 Burnside Post 4299 was Grand Marshal for this parade followed by Clifton Forge Main Street President, Jenny Oeltjen. Jenny is a veteran and owner of Livey’s Closet. Clifton Forge Main Street. Inc., is a non-profit organization working to
improve the historic downtown of Clifton Forge for economic and cultural reasons. It is affiliated with the Virginia Main Street Program, a division of the Virginia Main Street Program. A division of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Main Street Clifton Forge makes the Stars and Stripes celebration possible. Walking with Jenny were Gwenn Halterman and Haylee Dobson.
No parade would be complete without our representatives in Washington. This year we were honored to have Terry Austin, Virginia State Delegate, and his wife. Austin is Chairman of the VA250 committee in Virginia. Also in attendance was Ben Cline, U.S. Representative for Virginia’s 6th
Congressional District.
Curtis A Smith VFW Post 1033 had a presence representing Vietnam Veterans. Those in the parade were Ronnie Hancock. Dale Comer and Commander Paul Linkenhoker. Thank you for your service.
It would be hard to mention all the community first responders, churches and fire departments in attendance throwing out candy and bringing lots of smiles to lots of children and waving Old Glory every step of the way.
Immediately following the parade Burnside-Carpenter Post 4299 held a ceremony for those veterans who gave their lives for our country and our freedom. Bill Atherholt and the widow of a veteran named Peggy laid the wreath at the monument and the ceremony closed with The Highlands
Pipes and Drums playing Amazing Grace.
The ceremony at the Masonic Theatre was hosted by Bill Atherholt, Curtis A Smith VFW Post 1033 Quartermaster and board member board for Clifton Forge Main Street. Wendy Hudler, Director of Operations, Historic Masonic Theatre, opened the program welcoming the crowd and inviting them
to the 120th birthday celebration after the ceremony.
Atherholt said the purpose of this gathering in to celebrate our nation’s birthday and to recognize our local and guest veterans and our first responders who work to keep the people of the highlands and beyond free and safe. When Dr. Jack Backels started this ceremony 16 year ago, he wanted the
ceremony to educate, entertain and celebrate the birthday of our nation. Indeed, it did.
Clifton Forge Mayor Jeff Irvine gave the invocation followed by the presentation of the flag of the United States of America presented by Bill Atherholt’s 11-year-old granddaughter, Ramsey McClung. This was surely a proud moment for Mr. Atherholt. Alan Dale Craft sang our National Anthem followed by pledge of allegiance.
First responders were introduced next: Clifton Forge police officers including Police Chief Scott Balser and Deputy Justine Jefferson; Alleghany County sheriff and deputy; Virginia State Police Trooper Eric Mann; Superintendent CFFD, CFEMS and Fire Marshall, Robbie Boyd, 32 years with the CFFD; Clifton Forge Rescue Squad Britney and Rob Lowe; Teresa Gibson and Fernando Lopez.
Jenny Oeljen presented patriotic side of the Fourth of July – also known as Independence Day.
With the help of young readers, the history of the Declaration of Independence was read.
In the early 1770, more and more colonists became convinced that Parliament intended to take away their freedom and in 1775 Britain began to prepare for war. The King declared the colonists “in a state of open and avowed rebellion.”
Gwenn Halterman read Choosing Independence. On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee introduced a resolution “that these united colonies are and of right ought to be free and independent states.”
They appointed a committee of five to write an announcement explaining the reasons for independence. Thomas Jefferson, who chaired the committee and had established himself as a bold and talented political writer, wrote the first draft.
Christian Cooke from Boys Home read List of Grievances. The list of 27 complaints against King George III constituted the proof of the right to rebellion. Congress cast “the causes which impel them to separation” in universal terms for an international audience. Join our right, reads the
subtext, and you join humankind’s fight against tyranny.
Haylee Dobson from Boys Home read the statement leading up to war: We, therefore, the Representatives of the General Congress, assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these
Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally
dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances establish Commerce and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred honor.
Signing the Declaration – On August 2nd, the journal of the Continental Congress records that “The declaration of independence being engrossed and compared at the table was signed. John Hancock, President of the Congress, signed first. Some signed after August 2nd. Ultimately, 56 delegates signed the Declaration.
Ryan Schutt from Boys Home read the Resolution of Independence. “That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States”. It declares a complete break with Britain and its King and claims the powers of an independent country. Thomas Jefferson said “By the
grace of God, and these grounds of hope for others, For ourselves let the annual return of this day, forever refresh our recollections of these rights – and an undiminished devotion to them.
Josiah Culp from Boys Homes spoke on the African Americans who landed in 1619 aboard the British ship White Lion. Some 244 years after their landing they received their freedom on January 1, 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. On December 18, 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment to our Constitution was adopted which officially abolished slavery in every state in the United States. On June 19, 2021, the President declared Juneteenth a national holiday.
The program ended with Bill Atherholt honoring veterans from all branches of the service – the Army, Marine Corp, Coast Guard, Navy. Air Force and Space Force. You can see the pride on the faces of these veterans as they stand as their branch is played. So heartwarming. These veterans
made of Proud to be an American.
To complete the program Atherholt introduced members of deceased WWII veteran Paul Beverly of Iron Gate who annually close the program with the
singing of God Bless America. And so, he did.
That ends our 2025 Stars and Stripes Ceremony in Clifton Forge. Thank you for participating and have a wonderful remaining 4th of July 2025.
World War II veteran, Marion Noel, standing in the middle on the right (Marion Paxton photo)
Historic Masonic Theatre 120th birthday celebration after the ceremony
