Woodlawn---FrontFlag Retirement Ceremony by Sons of American Revolution Followed

It was a cool sunny Sunday afternoon when guests gathered on the grounds of Woodlawn Funeral Home for a first class Veteran’s Day Ceremony featuring music by John Hoppe and the Swing Shift Combo, the Grumpy Old Jazz Men and Miss Courtney Arnold vocalist.

Following a musical prelude, Joint Color Guards from the Sheriff’s Office, Marine Corps League and SAR presented and posted colors.

Commander Pat Ramsey, 523td Foothills Chapter, Vietnam Veterans of America, presented the POW and Missing in Action Flag.

Charlie Porter, Past State President, Sons of the American Revolution and Master of Ceremonies, led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Compatriot David Johnson, SAR State Chaplain gave the Invocation, and Chip Howard, Manager, Woodlawn Funeral Home, welcomed veterans and other guests.

Greenville County Sheriff Steve Loftis was guest speaker.

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Sheriff Loftis discussed the meaning of Veteran’s Day and concluded that “the least we can do is remember the sacrifices of our veterans.”

He talked about the Sheriff’s office becoming a partner in the Honor Flight project that flies World War II veterans to Washington, D. C. and back free of charge. He explained that Honor Flight is a non-profit, volunteer based program. They fly the WWII veterans to Washington from Greenville. They visit the World War II memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean and Vietnam War Memorials, the Iwo Jima Memorial and end the day at Arlington Cemetery observing the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

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“On their return to Greenville – Spartanburg International Airport, they are greeted by several hundred supporters, a marching band and military personnel,” the Sheriff said.

“I tell you it is a sight to see if you haven’t been there. It is a tear-jerker to see them come down the escalator.”

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On the honor flight last month Sheriff Loftis escorted two veterans. He encourages others to get involved and experience the joy of accompanying a vanishing group of heroes.

“I got to spend an entire day with two World War II Veterans. It was one of the most gratifying experiences of my life,” the Sheriff concluded.

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The keynote speaker was Lt. Col. Bill Price, U. S. Army (Ret). Col. Price is a decorated combat veteran with more than 30 years service and a member of the Furman University ROTC instruction staff.

“At Furman University, this is the year of Global Citizenship. Students and faculty are struggling with the meaning of global citizenship.”

Woodlawn---3He said American servicemen have earned the right to be global citizens since they have fought wars for other people all over the globe.

Price is the perfect picture of military bearing. He is one of the survivors. He has experienced the horrors of war and trains young men to lead others into battle seeking victory and survival. On this Veteran’s day his mood was somber.

“Herbert Hoover said: ‘Older men declare war, but it is the youth that must fight and die’.”

When asked who they are fighting for, most soldiers will say, “I fought for the men on the right and left of me,” Price explained.

Col. Price expressed concern that world leaders are saying there will be no more unconditional surrender as the result of war.  That line of thinking implies continual fighting without victory.

“That scares me more than the thought of a world war,” Price said.

“When less than one percent of our citizens are involved in our wars, it makes it easy to send our youth to fight and die,” Price concluded. “Let us be mindful that it is our youth who fight and die for our failures.”

Special music featuring the John Hoppe’s musicians and vocals by Courtney Arnold followed the speakers. The ceremonies closed with a rifle volley by the SAR Militia Color Guard, Taps and Benediction.

The event then moved to the Bronze Eagle in the Veteran’s Section of Woodlawn Cemetery for the flag retirement ceremony.

 

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