American flags on Memorial Day

SWAC Husband, U.S. Air Force veteran, put his Americans flags out bright and early on Memorial Day morning including the POW-MIA flag (center).

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
May 27, 2013

Shenandoah Valley: Churchville ceremony honors America's fallen soldiers

 World War I Dough Boy tombstone for Russell Snyder, located in Green Hill Cemetery, Churchville, Virginia. Born Aug 30, 1892, died Oct 8, 1918. Pvt, 11 Co CAC, Fort Mott, Salem, NJ. The statue is extremely detailed and must have cost a fortune. Here is a better photo of the dough boy tombstone.

 It was a peaceful setting with the Appalachian Mountains of western Augusta County in the background as a warm breeze blew on the bright sunny day.

 Will Bear and Charlotte Young.

Mrs. Young and the Churchville Christian ladies hosted the event each year. Since disbanding, Mrs. Young has carried on with the help of Will who carried out her vision of the event, and presided over the ceremony.

Mr. Will Bear and Mrs. Charlotte Young.

Rev. Reed Hopkins, pastor of Loch Willow Presbyterian Church in Churchville, led with devotions and prayer.

Bugler Billy Brooks, Esq, of Washington, D.C. ... the National Anthem.

Churchville resident Enrique Mencia may have been born in Cuba but he appreciates the freedom offered in his adopted country and the small Virginia town where he lives. On Sunday, he shared the restrictive government history of Cuba, honoring Armed Forces members who died protecting the freedom enjoyed by Mr. Mencia and other Americans.

He took time to tell of Cubans' quest for freedom and the sacrifices made by many throughout the years, including Americans, to stand up for Cuban citizens. When Cuba was overtaken by Fidel Castro in 1959, the first mandate was the absolute surrender of all privately owned firearms which essentially left residents helpless. It was a reminder that we have much to be grateful for in this country. His remarks are below.

The Fifth Virginia Infantry, Company L, West Augusta Guard of Staunton.

"Taps."

A casualty of World War II, he is buried in France but a headstone in Churchville is a reminder of this native son.

I got a phone call last week while out of town from Augusta County's Will Bear with an invitation to join the Churchville community for a Memorial Day commemorative service in Green Hill Cemetery. "If I'm back in town," I told him, not sure when we would return. Will, who co-owns Bear Funeral Home with his family, was helping Mrs. Charlotte Young carry on the tradition that had been hosted by the Churchville Christian ladies before their group disbanded.

Sunday turned out to be a beautiful sunny day with temperatures in the low 70s so I headed to Churchville and turned onto the winding country road that led to the cemetery. Crossing a small stream, I stopped on the bridge to take a picture of the peaceful-looking creek with wildflowers blooming on its banks, and then continued along the shady lane with blooming blackberry vines on both sides. I arrived early, wanting to get a feel for where the ceremony would take place since Will had offered that I could take photos. The only person there when I arrived was Will who had set up an awning, chairs, podium, and was ready with programs for guests.

He pointed out a spot to park, and then I walked back down the drive to where he stood in the shade of the ancient oak trees. His knowledge and memory of the cemetery is amazing although, after the ceremony, he referred to his dad's incredible memory on some questions about the location of particular tombstones.

The next to arrive was Enrique Mencia, the guest speaker, who was driving Mrs. Young, his across-the-street neighbor in "downtown" Churchville. Others filtered in including members of the Fifth Virginia Infantry who hurried to Churchville from Staunton's Thornrose Cemetery where they had participated at that annual service at the Confederate memorial.

Everyone gathered for the small but solemn Churchville ceremony in a beautiful rural setting with the Appalachian Mountains as a backdrop, appreciative of an opportunity to honor those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. After 30 minutes, it was over. It had included Taps and the National Anthem from bugler Bill Brooks who grew up in the area and, though he lives in Washington, D.C. and is a lawyer at his day job, attends both the Thornrose and Churchville ceremonies every year to bugle in memory of fallen Armed Forces members.

It also included remarks of faith from Reverend Reed Hopkins, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Bob Watson from the Churchville Ruritan Club, and all was led by Will. As I drove home afterward with the sun lowering in the western sky, I was grateful to have had the opportunity to join my neighbors.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
May 26, 2013

Remarks by Enrique "Rick" Mencia

Memorial Day Service

Green Hill Cemetery, Churchville, VA

Why is Memorial Day important to the Cuban-American population? Because it is a day to remember those who died in the different wars or conflicts, not only in your own country, but in other countries as well, helping to liberate the general population from oppression and injustice.

Cuba is situated in a strategic position at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico, 180 miles south of Florida, and was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492. Guanatanamo Naval Base is located in the southern part of the most eastern province of the country.

1868-1900: The Cubans were fighting to liberate themselves from Spain. Teddy Roosevelt and his "Rough Riders" came to help, which culminated with the defeat of the Spanish troops. This took place around the area where the Guantanamo Naval Base was constructed.

1902: The Cuban independence was achieved becoming a Republican with its own flag and code of arms. Right about this time, the sinking of the U.S. battleship Maine took place where many died. It had been sent to ensure the transition into an independent and free country.

To date, a lot of things have happened.
1914-15: First World War
1940s: Second World War
1952-53: Korea
1960s: Vietnam

1/1/59: Castro takes over Cuba and the first mandate was the absolute surrender of all privately owned firearms, ensuring the absolute control of the country politically, militarily, and economically. If nobody but the government has firearms, it is easy for it to eventually "slave" the people.

1961: The Bay of Pigs attempted invasion by the Cuban Freedom fighters, to free the country from a communist liar, Fidel Castro. Their honorable but futile heroic efforts brought to many an early death unnecessarily. The landing site was intentionally changed in the last minute from deep water where the landing site would have been close to the mainland, to a very low and swampy three miles from shore. It was an absolute massacre, and few made it to shore.

Of late, we have had Sarajevo, and the Gulf Wars, which encompass Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, etc., where many continue to be crippled or killed deefending and trying to implement human rights and democracy.

Memorial Day is a day of mourning, to be forever honored and remembered since it represents the day in which a nation, the U.S., and others like it, are and always will be honoring their dead patriots and heroes. These are men, women, and children at times, whose souls still live and their heroic actions represent the freedom that we have today, a freedom that we will defend forever.

Memorial Day: The uncle I never knew

Memorial Day is a time to reflect on our military men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our country. For my family, that includes an uncle who was killed in the closing days of World War II, an uncle I never knew, my mother's older brother.

Mom was a student at Thomas Dale High School in Chester, Virginia, when her brother Clarence, the oldest of nine siblings, died. She still remembers her mother's reaction that fateful day when the official government car drove up the driveway of their farm many decades ago, and how her mother's knees buckled as she realized the presence of that car meant her son had been killed. Mom says her mother, who lived into her 80s, never completely got over the loss.

After retiring, my mother spent hours researching to discover what exactly happened to her brother and eventually found Clarence's lieutenant living in Texas. She traveled there to talk with him and hear about her brother's final hours, something she documented for our family.

In 2012, Mom wrote:

My brother, Clarence, would be 94 years old August 1st ... and it has now been a little more than 67 years since he was killed in Germany during World War II, only six weeks before Germany surrendered and the war in Europe ended.

Clarence was a 'foot soldier' and had fought for 15 months, from southern Italy to the liberation of Rome, then from the Riviera of Southern France all the way up to Germany's Siegfried Line, liberating the people of those two countries who had been prisoners of the Germans for several years.

Clarence was killed as they were crossing through the Siegfried Line from France into Germany. I think of him often and think about the fact that if we had not won World War II, there would no longer be a United States of America because Germany would have taken control of our country and our lives.

There was nothing romantic or glorious about how he died. His unit had encountered the almost impossible difficulties of fighting in mud, the freezing conditions of snow and ice. There was no time to mourn when a buddy died ... they had to move on, and returned later to recover their dead.

His name is carved into the granite walls of the Virginia War Memorial that overlooks downtown Richmond and the James River. Today we remember his sacrifice along with that of other fallen heroes who have fought for our country ... another reminder that freedom is not free.

'When you go home, tell them of us....'

"When you go home, tell them of us and say,
'For your tomorrow, we gave our today.' "

In memory of Augusta County's fallen heroes...

Jason Redifer, 19
USMC, KIA, Operation Iraqi Freedom

January 31, 2005

Daniel Bubb, 19
USMC, KIA, Operation Iraqi Freedom

October 17, 2005

Daniel Morris, 19
USMC, KIA, Operation Iraqi Freedom

February 14, 2007

Freedom is not free.

Today: Churchville Memorial Day 2013 Service

A small town in America honors fallen Armed Forces, Memorial Day 2013.

A community-wide service will be held today, May 26, 2013, in Churchville in observation of Memorial Day to honor military members who have died while defending our country.

Will Bear, co-owner of Bear Funeral Home in Churchville, called earlier this week to extend an invitation for all to attend this somber event to be held at Green Hill Cemetery at 4:30 p.m. When entering the gates of the cemetery, drive to the crest of the hill toward the back where there will be a thirty-minute service with remarks from local citizens and military honors from a local reenactment group.

Green Hill Cemetery is located on Green Hill Lane (Rt. 836). From Rt. 250 in Churchville, turn south onto Rt. 42 (Buffalo Gap Highway) to Bear Funeral  Home on the left in the sharp curve. At the curve, continue straight onto Rt. 836 (Green Hill Lane) for 0.7 mile. Cemetery will be on the left.

A Memorial Day message from Congressman Eric Cantor

From Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-7th Congressional District)....

This weekend and Monday most Americans will take some time off and spend it with their family and friends. Traditionally, we recognize this time of year as the beginning of summer. There are many fine traditions associated with this weekend, from the Indianapolis 500 to local parades to family backyard barbecues.

But I hope that you will join me in remembering what is really important this weekend. Over the course of this Memorial Day Weekend, please take a moment to remember and appreciate all those brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy the freedoms we do today.

Also, please remember the men and women of our armed services who continue to serve in harm’s way. They will not spend this weekend with their family and friends because they are risking their lives to protect and preserve our liberty. We owe them all a great debt of gratitude.

Please have a very safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Governor Bob McDonnell: Memorial Day ... remembering Va military heroes

From Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell....

“As Virginians plan to observe Memorial Day with friends and family members, we must remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we enjoy. Sadly, we add 20 additional Virginia heroes who have sacrificed their all in the ongoing war on terror. Their names have been added to Virginia's Wall of Honor in the Shrine of Memory at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond.

"These include from the United States Army Chief Warrant Officer Five John C. Pratt from Springfield, Private First Class Vincent J. Ellis from Suffolk, First Lieutenant Stephen C. Prasnicki from Roanoke, Staff Sergeant Raul Madrigal Guerra from Norfolk, Staff Sergeant Brandon R. Pepper from Greenbackville, Staff Sergeant Jessica M. Wing from Alexandria, Staff Sergeant Jonathan P. Schmidt from Petersburg, Sergeant Robert J. Billings from Clarksville, Sergeant Aaron X. Wittman from Chester, Sergeant David J. Chambers from Hampton ...

"First Lieutenant Robert J. Hess from Fairfax; from The United States Marines Lance Corporal Niall W. Coti-Sears from Arlington, Staff Sergeant Gregory T. Copes from Lynch Station, Gunnery Sergeant Ryan Jeschke from Herndon; from the United States Air Force Captain Brandon L. Cyr from Woodbridge ; From the United States Navy Gunners Mate 2nd Class Dion R. Roberts from Virginia Beach, Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew G. Kantor from Virginia Beach, Petty Officer 1st Class Kevin R. Ebbert from Virginia Beach, Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas D. Checque from Virginia Beach, and Commander Job W. Price from Virginia Beach.

"The Commonwealth is home to so many members of the United States Armed Forces and their families, and is where the meaning of this day takes on a particular significance.

"On Memorial Day, as we remember the brave Virginia sons and daughters we have lost, please take time to thank a service member and a veteran for their service in the defense of freedom.

"Recognizing the sacrifice so many Virginians have made to protect us is a solemn reminder of the cost of freedom. On behalf of a grateful nation and the more than 8 million Virginians, I wish to personally thank the men and women who serve and their families and loved ones, who also serve, for all of their sacrifice, and to honor the 20 Virginia military personnel who we pay tribute to this year for making the ultimate sacrifice in the fight for freedom. I join all Virginians in expressing my gratitude.”

Shenandoah Valley: Frosty 33 degrees on May 25

Brrr. My corner of the world woke up to 33 degrees this morning with frost on the cars and covering the back yard. It's May 25, far beyond the "safe" frost date of May 15 for this area. High temps today are supposed to be in the 50s and windy.

Frost. A deposit of small white ice crystals formed on the ground or other surfaces when the temperature falls near or below freezing. On May 25.

Brrr.

It's Memorial Day weekend, that time when we pause to honor our military men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

It's also considered the unofficial start of summer, and the weekend when swimming pools reopen.

In Shenandoah National Park, Loft Mountain campground has just reopened for the season and is packed with campers who woke this morning to temperatures in the 20s.

Speaking about the cold morning temps, a Facebook friend expressed it well: "Summer is playing hide and seek."

Indeed.

Commander-in-Chief golfs on Memorial Day while military families mourn

Twenty-eight-year-old Chief Warrant Officer Christopher R. Thibodeau was killed during combat operations in Afghanistan last Thursday.

The New Hampshire native was a decorated AH-64D helicopter pilot with the 1st Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade out of Fort Hood, Texas.  He had just discovered a few days earlier that his wife was pregnant, a fact that hit The Other McCain blogger Smitty particularly hard considering he is currently serving in Afghanistan with the U.S. Navy and his wife is at home expecting their first child.

Across the country on Monday, millions bowed their heads at memorial services held on a day set aside to honor those who have died while serving this country, protecting the lives and freedoms of Americans. At 3:00 p.m., Americans paused for a National Moment of Remembrance.

Where was President Obama? He reportedly hosted a breakfast for Gold Star families and laid a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, then hit the links, golfing with staffers on Memorial Day,  an activity that some found disgraceful on such a solemn day.

White House reporter Keith Koffler reported the President’s activities on his blog and it was picked up by the British and conservative blogs while the usual mainstream media outlets have remained silent. What’s that you ask? What if President George W. Bush had done that?

Koffler pointed out that President Bush changed his lifestyle while in the White House:

The decision to golf on Memorial Day invites comparison with President George W. Bush, who gave up the game early in his presidency and said he did it out of respect for the families of those killed in Iraq.

“Respect for the families of those killed in Iraq” … it’s the perception that is left with the public on a day when American military families are mourning the loss of their loved ones.

To forgo such a public carefree activity on such a solemn day is to offer the comforting perception of … caring.

Cross-posted at Bearing Drift

Memorial Day 2011 ... Gypsy Hill Park

Memorial Day activities in Staunton, Virginia - May 30, 2011
The public is invited

9:00 a.m. - Courthouse at corner of Johnson and Augusta Streets in downtown Staunton: laying of wreaths

10:00 a.m. - Gypsy Hill Park Gazebo: laying of the wreaths, concert by Stonewall Brigade Band. Guest speaker is Brig. General Michael Bissell from Mary Baldwin College.  Bring a lawn chair.

Sponsored by Staunton-Augusta Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2216 and American Legion Post 13 and their Ladies Auxiliaries.

Memorial Day 2011

My Vietnam era Air Force veteran husband added a new flag to the group this year in front of the house.
POW-MIA ... you are not forgotten.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
28 May 2011

The ultimate sacrifice is being left behind

Memorial Day should be every day of the year.
A poem for the children left behind....

Daddy's Poem

Her hair was up in a pony tail,
Her favorite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school,
And she couldn't wait to go.

But her mommy tried to tell her,
That she probably should stay home
Why the kids might not understand,
If she went to school alone.

But she was not afraid;
She knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates
Of why he wasn't there today.

But still her mother worried,
For her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again,
She tried to keep her daughter home.

But the little girl went to school
Eager to tell them all.
About a dad she never sees a dad
Who never calls.

There were daddies along the wall in
Back, for everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently,
Anxious in their seats.

One by one the teacher called
A student from the class.
To introduce their daddy,
As seconds slowly passed.

At last the teacher called her name,
Every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching,
A man who wasn't there.

"Where's her daddy at?"
She heard a boy call out.
"She probably doesn't have one,"
Another student dared to shout.

And from somewhere near the back,
She heard a daddy say,
"Looks like another deadbeat dad,
Too busy to waste his day."

The words did not offend her,
As she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher, who
Told her to go on.

And with hands behind her back,
Slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child,
Came words incredibly unique.

"My Daddy couldn't be here,
Because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be,
Since this is such a special day.

And though you cannot meet him,
I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy,
And how much he loves me so.

He loved to tell me stories
He taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses,
And taught me to fly a kite.

We used to share fudge sundaes,
And ice cream in a cone.
And though you cannot see him.
I'm not standing here alone.

"Cause my daddy's always with me,
Even though we are apart
I know because he told me,
He'll forever be in my heart"

With that, her little hand reached up,
And lay across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat,
Beneath her favorite dress.

And from somewhere there in the crowd
Of dads, her mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter,
Who was wise beyond her years.

For she stood up for the love
Of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her,
Doing what was a right.

And when she dropped her hand back
Down, staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft,
But its message clear and loud.

"I love my daddy very much,
He's my shining star.
And if he could, he'd be here,
But heaven's just too far.

You see he is an American Soldier
And died just this past year
When a roadside bomb hit his convoy
And taught Americans to fear.

But sometimes when I close my eyes,
It's like he never went away."
And then she closed her eyes,
And saw him there that day.

And to her mother's amazement,
She witnessed with surprise.
A room full of daddies and children,
All starting to close their eyes.

Who knows what they saw before them,
Who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second,
They saw him at her side.

"I know you're with me Daddy,"
To the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers,
Of those once filled with doubt.

Not one in that room could explain it,
For each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her,
Was a fragrant long-stemmed pink rose.

And a child was blessed, if only for
A moment, by the love of her shining star.
And given the gift of believing,
That heaven is never too far.

H/T to Mike

Memorial Day ... friends and neighbors at Gypsy Hill Park

Staunton business owner Barth Berry served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Many thanks for his service.

POWs and MIA ... you are not forgotten.

Closing song of Memorial Day service.

He saw quietly beside his owner through the program.

Patriotic chairs, clothes, hats ... people showed their American pride.

SWAC Husband talks with Lyn Bing.

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
31 May 2010

The media covered Memorial Day....

Ken Slack with NBC-29 out of Charlottesville/Waynesboro was at Gypsy Hill Park.


Staunton News Leader editor Dave Fritz was on photographer duty at Gypsy Hill Park.

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
31 May 2010

Duty done

Retiring the colors, Memorial Day service, Staunton, VA.

Color Guard rolls up the flags after the completion of the service.

Color Guard weapons lean against a tree ... these military veterans have done their duty once more.

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
31 May 2010

Memorial Day Service ... Staunton, VA ... Gypsy Hill Park Bandstand

Veteran from Staunton, Virginia.

Posting of Colors by American Legion Post 13. Stonewall Brigade Band members in background.

Veterans from local VFW & American Legion Posts.

The Army chair made me wonder if he was an Army veteran.

Staunton, VA

The program listed the presentation of floral wreaths by various chapters.

Some of the wreaths that were presented to honor fallen heroes.

Presentation by American Legion Post #13 and Auxiliary.

Wreath presentations. They were the ones who helped put this annual program together.

Keynote speaker Rev. Joel Thornton, Bethel Presbyterian Church. His message was uplifting and a reminder to never forget the cost of freedom and those who paid the price, and to remember every day the sacrifices given for our country.

Cole Boylen sang the "National Anthem" in a voice that must have made the angels smile. Nice job, Cole.

Air Force veteran SWAC Husband as "America" was being sung.

The red poppies were scattered throughout the crowd.

In Flander's Field
by John McCrae

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow,
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky,
The larks, still bravely singing, fly,
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead.
Short days ago,
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved and now we lie,
In Flanders Fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe
To you, from failing hands, we throw,
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us, who die,
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow,
In Flanders Fields.

Many thanks to those who made this annual event possible including Master of Ceremonies Ray Houser (truly the voice of Staunton for 50+ years), the Stonewall Brigade Band, Cole Boylen who sang the National Anthem, Sara Traylor who led the Pledge of Allegiance, Rev. Steve Traylor for the invocation and benediction, and Rev. Joel Thornton for the keynote address.

Mostly, thank you to the military veterans who served this country and continue to serve by remembering those who did not make it home: American Legion Post 13, VFW Post 2216 and Auxiliary, and VFW Post 7814 and Auxiliary.

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
31 May 2010