The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – On Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. VFW Post 1033 and Auxiliary held their annual tribute to area veterans. The date is significant because the armistice that ended World War I took effect at the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918.”
Commander Paul Linkenhoker conducted the ceremony, which started with a prayer by Chaplain Bill Atherholt, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem. Commander Linkenhoker reminded all of the purpose of the ceremony: to honor all those veterans, past and present, who made sacrifices and defended our country.
Laying red, white, and blue roses on Veterans Day is a meaningful gesture of patriotic honor, symbolizing the American Flag’s colors and the values veterans represent.
The red rose, laid by Joe Crupper, officer of the day, VFW Post 1033, symbolizes the sacrifice of those killed in action, their blood, and the courage of veterans. The blue rose, representing patriotism and loyalty, was laid by Auxiliary President, Marian Paxton, and the white rose, laid by Robert Cales, Junior Vice Commander of VFW Post 1033, symbolizes the purity of a veteran’s motives when answering the call to duty.
Laying a wreath on Veterans Day is a solemn tribute to honor and remember the service and sacrifice of all who have served in the military. Senior Vice Commander, Ronnie Hancock, and auxiliary secretary, Linda Morrison, placed this wreath.
A very special part of the program was a tribute to a former member of VFW Post 1033, John Owens, a World War II veteran, with the donation of a 1947 Lincoln SA200 welding machine. Owens bought the machine in 1947, and local resident, Scott Seldomridge, brought it back to life with this very moving tribute of scripture from John 15:13 – “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
The program ended with the playing of taps by Dale Comer. Taps are played at the end of the ceremony to honor fallen service members.
Kaleb’s Kreations, Jonathan and Kaleb Hylton, and Aiden Dunbar were on hand to present all veterans and public servants with a “thank you” key chain.
We are thankful for the opportunity to honor these women and men and their families.
