AMVETS hosts annual Veterans Day service
By Kevin Spradlin
PeeDeePost.com
ROCKINGHAM — The federal holiday now known as Veterans Day goes back to 1918 with the signing of the treaty that ended World War I, often referred to as “the war to end all wars.”
Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com
Selina Martinez, a member of the Richmond Senior High School J.R.O.T.C. unit, prepares the American flag for the presentation of colors Saturday at Richmond County Veterans Memorial Park.
Of course, that’s a misnomer. World War I was anything but the world’s last battle. It was only 21 years later that World War II officially began.
“Peace usually doesn’t last for long,” said Lieut. Col. John A. Ring to an audience of dozens Saturday morning at Richmond County Veterans Memorial Park in Rockingham. America, he said, needs to continue to be prepared for the next mission, where ever it might take place around the globe.
Ring, who began his Army career by enlisting and earned an R.O.T.C. commission from Western Michigan University, said he has traveled the world — including eight years deployed in combat or peacekeeping missions. He spoke quite a bit about his time in command of a parachute regiment in the British Army.
“I’ve been fortunate to train with America’s best,” Ring said. “I know our military is the best in the world. I’ve seen it firsthand. I thank God for our young men and women” who continue to volunteer and answer the call to serve.
Rev. Charlie Tyler is long past being considered young. The retired Army sergeant first class and Richmond County pastor said his 21 years in the military was an experience that was “for me.”
Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com
Eddie Dean, of VFW Post 4203 in Rockingham, salutes a memorial wreath during the Veterans Day service Saturday at Richmond County Veterans Memorial Park.
But over time, he learned how it took a toll on his wife, Donna. On Saturday, Tyler presented his wife with a framed plaque as a token of appreciation for everything she handled, house and kids, while he was away.
Her efforts, the plaque said, have “earned his grateful appreciation for her unselfish, faithful and devoted service.”
Tyler thanked Donna for her love, support, sacrifice and understanding throughout more than two decades of military service.
The 40-minute ceremony on Saturday included the singing of the National Anthem by Vickie Daniel and two members of Cub Scout Troop 64 led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. In addition, eight different groups were represented — Jamie Gross for the American Legion Post 147, Larry Meacham Vietnam Veterans of America, Ben Pait for the Marines Detachment 1252, Berry Sellers for AMVETS Post 316, Lou Ellen Gibson for the Daughters of the American Revolution, Eddie Dean for VFW Post 4203, and Eileen Evans and Lisa Hudson of the VFW Post 4203 Ladies Auxiliary. And Richmond Senior High School’s MaKayla Bacon trumpeted a somber “Taps” in a lone corner of the park.
After the ceremony, those in attendance were invited to join members of VFW Post 4203 for lunch.
