Remembering the Fallen
Bagpiper David Thomas performed during Lewisville's 2010 Memorial Day Service at the Veterans Memorial in Shallowford Square.
Memorial Day Service
American Legion Post 522 of Lewisville sponsored this year’s Memorial Day Service (on May 31, 2010) at the Veterans Memorial in Shallowford Square. Hundreds from the Lewisville community gathered to honor the military men and women who have given their lives in service to our country.
The Memorial Day program included a vintage military vehicle exhibition and a flyover by pilot Bill Kyle in a World War II-era plane, the T6 Trainer. During the roughly one-hour program, the audience enjoyed special music that included vocalists and bagpipes, as well as a message by guest speaker Tom Summy. Members of American Legion Post 522 also served as the honor guard, the rifle squad and bugler.
Visit the Photo Gallery
To see more PHOTOS of the Memorial Day Service, please visit the 2010 Memorial Day Service photo gallery.
Memorial Day Service
As with so many communities throughout our grateful nation, the Town of Lewisville, North Carolina held its annual Memorial Day Service at Shallowford Square. The event was sponsored by American Legion Post 522.
Real and Present Gratitude
Thanks to the efforts of the American Legion Post 522 and other groups and individuals, our community gathered once more at the Veterans Memorial at Shallowford Square on Memorial Day to honor and thank those who serve, and have served, in our nation’s military.
The Memorial Day Service included vintage military vehicles, special music, invocation and benediction, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, Commissioner David Plyler, honor guard, rifle squad and bugler.
We’re thankful for our military men and women who are presently serving our country in such a challenging time. We know you have not chosen the easiest of paths, and we thank you for your service, and for the sacrifices you and your families are making on behalf of your country.
To see more photos of Lewisville’s Memorial Day Service, please visit the 2009 Memorial Day Service photo gallery.
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Christmas Wreaths
Lewisville resident, Fred O’Brien, sets up a Christmas wreath at the Veterans Memorial at Shallowford Square in Lewisville.
Encounter
One day last week while driving by Shallowford Square, I spotted two Christmas wreaths that had been placed in the Veterans Memorial section of the Square. I made a mental note to come back later and photograph them for the blog.
When I finally made it back there this past Saturday morning, the timing was such that I met Korean War veteran and Lewisville resident, Fred O’Brien. Because both of the Christmas wreaths had been sitting on the ground — each propped up against a separate memorial — Fred had been compelled to make them more presentable, and he had brought the materials needed to complete the task.
In the above photo, Fred is shown securing one of the Christmas wreaths on a stand to be placed in front of the memorial that contains the “Battle Cross” statue, which is surrounded by commemorative bricks individually inscribed with the names and military service information of scores of veterans. (A previous post, titled Remembering, discusses this particular memorial and also includes a photo gallery showing close-ups of the statue and the bricks.)
While Fred was putting the finishing touches on the first wreath, we were joined by Doug Dampier (who is highlighted in the post titled, Now and Then). Doug and Fred talked a little about their military connections: Fred had served in the Marine Corps in Korea. Doug’s father, Ralph Dampier, had served in the Navy during World War II, and had passed away in March of this year.
As their conversation continued, Doug lent Fred a hand with the placement of the second wreath, which had been propped up against the POW-MIA flag memorial. Since I’ve not addressed this particular memorial before in the blog, I’ll share what’s written on its plaque:
On Behalf of a Grateful Nation and a Proud American Legion: This POW-MIA flag flies to honor those veterans who, in service to this great nation, sacrificed their freedom and their physical and mental well-being as prisoners of war. It also recognizes those who are still missing in action or remain imprisoned. The light at the base of this plaque will burn until all POW-MIAa are accounted for or return home. — Town of Lewisville | Lewisville American Legion Post 522
Thoughts
It strikes me now that placing Christmas wreaths at memorials is no less appropriate than placing them on the doors of our homes. After all, at Christmastime we especially tend to think of loved ones who have passed away, or loved ones who — for whatever reason — will not be with us for the holidays.
Likewise, our veterans and those who are currently serving in our nation’s military are also among those whom we think of with love and gratitude at Christmas. Placing the Christmas wreaths at the Veterans Memorial in Shallowford Square is just one more way to say, “We love you.” and “Thank you.”
Take a look at additional photos from this encounter at the Veterans Memorial in the Fred O’Brien photo gallery.
Commemorative Veterans Bricks
If you or someone you know, would be interested in purchasing a commemorative veterans brick to be placed in honor of or in memory of a veteran, you may contact Fred O’Brien at 945-9510.
A Soldier’s Story
In recognition of Veterans Day, Rick McVicker, an Iraq War veteran, was the special guest speaker at the annual meeting of the Friends of the Lewisville Library on Wednesday evening, November 12.
Soldiering in Iraq
Rick left his teaching position at West Forsyth to serve in Iraq from June 2006 till May 2007. He shared about his daily routines, his living quarters, the food and his mission as a soldier serving in Iraq.
Regularly, Rick suited up with over 60 pounds of gear for each combat mission, which involved patrolling areas of Iraq in a Humvee. On top of the rigors of combat, heat was a persistent challenge, with temperatures at times reaching as high as 130 degrees. In his eleven and a half months in Iraq, Rick engaged in over 800 combat missions, completing his service with the rank of Sergeant First Class.
Rick also made a point to share how much the troops appreciate care packages, particularly those containing non-perishable food. (One of his favorites was Pop Tarts.) The packages are such morale boosters, he said. “So keep them coming — the troops love them!”
Cards for the Troops
Nancy Bauman, President of the Friends of the Lewisville Library, presented Rick with over 250 holiday and thank-you cards which were created earlier this week by children and adults in the community. Rick will ensure the cards are received by troops serving away from home over the holidays.
Hope for the Iraqi People
As someone who has seen firsthand the conditions in Iraq, Rick shared his optimism for the future of the Iraqi people. He reminded the audience that the Iraqi people have never before experienced the opportunity to self-govern. That means they’re learning how democracy works — and that’s not always a pretty process, and certainly not one that is easily or quickly achieved.
Rick has fond memories of his encounters with the Iraqi people, and he has great hope that they will work through the challenges of establishing a democratic government. His overarching thought about his experience in Iraq: “I will always believe that it was time well spent.”
Back Home
Once more Rick is back at West Forsyth, where he teaches civics, world geography and international relations. I have no doubt that he teaches with the same honor and conviction that guided him as a soldier.
To see a few photos of the evening, please visit the Rick McVicker photo gallery.
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