May 25, 2020
By: Dwayne Page
Although the traditional Memorial Day program sponsored by the American Legion Post 122 will not be held today due to COVID-19, a brief ceremony will be held to place a wreath at the Veterans Memorial Monument outside the courthouse today at 12 noon. Prayers will be offered and taps played. Anyone wishing to attend may park at the courthouse and view the observance from their vehicles.
Members of the American Legion are also asking that the public place a green light bulb on their porch and burn it starting today (Monday) through Tuesday morning to honor our fallen heroes and veterans still living.
Two years ago, Vietnam Veteran and former TWRA officer Ben Franklin honored fallen soldiers and those still living who carry the scars of combat during his remarks at the 2018 Memorial Day remembrance at the county complex.
Franklin praised those who laid down their lives for this country, saying they did it to preserve the Constitution and the freedoms it stands for. It is because of them, Franklin said that we get to enjoy the Liberty we have today.
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“I have been to 17 foreign countries but there is no place like the USA. We have more freedom than anybody anywhere, “ he said.
In today’s society, Franklin said many have a misplaced view of heroism.
“In my opinion they have a misguided perception of heroes. Most of them think they are people who can run fast or throw and catch a ball. Those who run up to each other and bump their chests and throw high fives. My idea of a hero is a 19 or 20 year old with a gun 6,000 miles away from home in Afghanistan or Iraq who doesn’t know who his enemy is. That is my idea of a hero,” he added.
Franklin admonished the audience to always remember those who served, both fallen soldiers and living veterans, as well as their families; those who treated wounded warriors during combat; POW’s and MIA’s; and the veterans who committed suicide due to the horrors of war after they returned home.
He also encouraged people to always exercise their privilege of voting and support candidates who will stand for the Constitution and “won’t take our freedoms away”, said Franklin.
Choking back emotion, Franklin closed his remarks by saying “God Bless the families of the soldiers who have died for this country. God Bless the Veterans and the Military soldiers who are serving today and God Bless America”.