Florence Veterans Day ceremony honors soldiers

FLORENCE — Patriotic music that wafted from the West Florence High School auditorium Wednesday during Veterans Day ceremonies had all those in attendance tapping their feet.

The event was moved to West Florence because of rainy weather. It was scheduled to be held at Florence Veterans Park.

The featured speaker for the occasion was Lt. Gen. William G. Webster, commanding general, Third Army, U. S. Army Central, Coalition Forces Land Component Command.

Webster commands the Third Army. He spends 75 percent of his time in the U.S. Central Command area of operation and 25 percent at his main command post at Fort McPherson in Atlanta. The Third Command will move to Shaw Air Force Base in the summer of 2011.

“For those who have served and for those who have friends and family who have served, this day holds special significance,” Webster said. “We know from the lessons of history that we must always be prepared for war, even though we pray for peace. We can never predict the future correctly.”

Webster said the challenges facing today’s force are unique. He said the all-volunteer force is engaged in two fights, with about 200,000 people on the ground in the U.S. Central Command’s area of operations.

“Third Army supports all these ground forces and their attendant equipment,” he said. “In an army that numbers over 1.1 million personnel in the active army, guard and reserve, there are nearly 270,000 soldiers deployed worldwide. Fifty-four percent of those are supported by Third Army in the decisive theater of operation.”

Webster singled out a soldier for Veterans Day.

“This American soldier displayed incredible courage and tenacity under fire,” he said. “He was leading a dismounted patrol with his platoon leader through the Doura District of Baghdad when he got the feeling that something wasn’t right.”

Specialist Jacob Pfister told his squad to spread out and called for his platoon leader, That’s when a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device turned the corner and sped toward the squad. The driver was downshifting and grinding gears with the engine roaring.

“Specialist Pfister charged the vehicle without a thought for his own safety, firing immediately into the cab and engine compartment to protect his squad,” Webster said. “Before the squad leader could bark another order, the vehicle and its suicide driver exploded in their faces, instantly killing Pfister and another soldier and wounding the rest of the squad.”

The squad leader was on the ground with 133 pieces of shrapnel in his body. He also had a broken collarbone, a dislocated shoulder and a broken leg.

But he forced himself to stay conscious, directing the evacuation of all the wounded, including himself.

“After many surgeries to heal his wounds, this young non commissioned officer returned to Iraq in 2005 and reenlisted with his unit in Baghdad,” Webster said. “His bravery and leadership inspired seven other men in his platoon and countless others in the Third Infantry Division to reenlist.”

Webster then introduced SFC Jason Barr, who was in the back of the room.

“This is just a reminder of all our loved ones who have served our nation with honor,” Webster said. “He is proud of his service.

“And for those of you who are veterans, thank you for your service to the nation. I am honored to be in your presence. There may not be a higher calling in a free nation like ours than to lay your life on the line in combat, at the expense of personal welfare and comfort, for our fellow citizens and for those we are trying to protect.”

Following Webster’s remarks, it was announced that the Military Order of the Purple Heart Monument would be unveiled later in the day at Veterans Park.

And Rick Walden, director of Florence County Veterans Affairs, read the names that are to be added to the Wall of Honor at Veterans Park.