LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Thanks to Memorial Day Service attendees

By: | SCNow
Published: June 09, 2009

I want to thank all those who attended the Memorial Day Service at the Florence National Cemetery. Print and media presence was simply first rate. Your unwavering support of all Pee Dee veterans is well appreciated.

I also want to collectively recognize the outstanding contributions made by student, veteran, and civilian volunteers: the Veterans’ Honor Guard and Rifle Team and the Knights of Columbus; the music selections from South Florence High School’s Choraliers, All Saints Episcopal Day School’s Singsational Saints, and Florence Christian School’s Choir; the efforts of their respective directors; and the military bearing and precision performances of the Junior ROTC students from West Florence, South Florence, Wilson, and Mullins High Schools. A special thank you is extended to our guest speaker, Major General Irene Trowell-Harris, USAF/ANG (Retired), for her inspirational words on service and patriotism.

Everyone should know that the over 100 participating students, civilian, and veterans must step up to the performance plate without benefit of rehearsal. Accordingly, the Master of Ceremonies must extemporaneously control the flow of the program and guest introductions, and South Carolina House of Representative/Pastor Terry Alexander was simply superb in that role. Pastor Jim Bird gave a poignant invocation, walking us through the lineage of military encounters where veterans paid the ultimate price in the name of freedom. Mayor Steven Wukela’s time, kind words, and heartfelt recognition were greatly appreciated. The notes of Bess Tyner’s bagpipe-played “Amazing Grace” floated gently over the silent graves, followed by the plaintive sounds of Echo Taps played by Johnny Powers and Kelli Price.

Last and certainly not least, let us never forget and always be mindful and all Gold Star Mothers, whose children paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country. The rest of us were merely in attendance to honor each of their sacrifices. Betty Lou Burrows should be recognized for coordinating the Gold Star Mother portion of the program.

Lt. Col. Chuck DePreker,
USMC retired, Marine Corps League,
Detachment 410