LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Thanks to Memorial Day Service attendees
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
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Reader Reactions
I attended the Memorial Day service at the National Cemetery this past Memorial Day, as well. I believe that Memorial Day is a day to honor those who have died in service to our country. Many of the participants made outstanding contributions to this experience.
Allow me to make some suggestions and comments. I hope that in future services we do a better job of seating and recognizing the Gold Star Mothers.
Our speakers should be reminded that this service is about honoring those who have died and not about veterans. We honor our veterans on Veterans Day in November at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
While veteran’s services are important, I thought Mr. Walden spent too much time introducing and recognizing every veteran service liaison in the area. This is an activity that should be done on Veteran’s Day.
Our mayor spoke only about veterans.
Mr. DePreker, I understand your desire to pat Mr. Alexander on the back, but I found it inexcusable for him to refer to Golden Star Mothers and to mispronounce many of their names. There were no more than 10 names to know.
Let’s all work to make our Memorial Service the best in the state and one that is focused on honoring those who have dies in service to this country.
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