Contributing writer
Memorial Day offers citizens an opportunity to remember service members who have paid the ultimate price.
As people entered the courthouse lawn in Craig County on Monday, May 29, there were many handshakes and hugs amongst everyone, and especially those veterans in military attire or wearing their caps.
The patriotic music set the atmosphere of such a respectful and honorable day many Americans have come to appreciate.
The library set up a bake sale at the Hotel porch where they offered homemade items for a donation. Many partook of the delicious cakes, cookies and breads that were difficult to resist.
Memorial Day is set aside to remember those who lost their lives, fighting for the freedom of those who remain safe in the United States of America.
Still, many veterans who attend these services also grieve deeply as some had to watch their comrades die on the battlefield, or later hear of them not making it back “home.”
Several wore their red, white and blue in honor of the deceased and the day. The Craig Valley Daughters of the American Revolution handed out U.S. flags for those to wave and to take home.
David Givens of Dave’s Live Sounds had his sound system set up as Mayor Lenny MacDonald began the service, introducing Craig County’s local VFW Post 4491, who did the Presentation of the Colors.
“The most important voice we will hear today will be from you,” MacDonald shared. “As you gather here today in this courtyard, you are making a statement of the importance of the American experience and the love, and loyalty we share for those who have protected and died for it.”
“You make a statement of who we are as a community, that this little community has the heart of a lion ready to defend and die for our American ideals,” he added. “For liberty, for freedom, for the idea that all men and women are created equal and have the same opportunities to take their shot at greatness.”
In MacDonald’s invocation, he shared, “This morning we reflect upon your goodness and the sentinels who have fought and died to protect it. Let their souls, and ours find peace in your presence on this occasion. May those who have lost loved ones to the ravages of battle be encouraged that their loss was not in vain, for our Nation who honors you is still intact. That they may know that the citizens of our community are grateful for those who gave everything so we might know liberty, and freedom and peace. Lord, let us continue to strive to be a beacon of hope in this world to those who do not know the freedoms that come to us at your hands. And this morning, on this solemn occasion, let us remember those who have protected our shores, and mountains and our way of life.”
The Craig Valley Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution led the community in the Pledge of Allegiance. Respect seemed to permeate the air even through the mist of rain that continued to gently fall.
Ashlyn Stanley led the community in the National Anthem, as people stood in respect, hands over their hearts, and attention to “Old Glory” that was waving in the wind. PHOTOS BY PAM DUDDING.
The DAR then honored the fallen by explaining the “Missing Man Table” that was set in front of the podium. Speaker Tina Crawford shared the meaning of each item.
Following, Ashlyn Stanley sang the National Anthem as all stood at attention, with hands secured over their hearts, watching Old Glory wave in the gentle wind that was blowing. Some sang along while others just gazed straightway at the flag.
The special speaker was retired HCMS U.S. Navy Veteran Paul Beaudoin. McDonald introduced him, sharing that he served as a Navy Medic for 20 years. Then Beaudoin worked at the V.A. for an additional 20 years, again, seeing firsthand the results of what war did to his comrades.
He began his speech with a question, “Would you like for me to blow smoke, or do you want me to tell you the truth?”
Many called back to him with no hesitation, “The truth!”
“To start off with two vets shaped my life and carried me through. The one showed me what it cost. My cousin Raymond Beaudoin, Second Lieutenant gave his life for his troops. They were under attack, and he ran up and took the fire and saved his men. I was about five or six and I went to the funeral. I was trying to figure out why someone die for others,” Beaudoin shared. “Years later I am at a church and a priest comes out with a cross and I see hanging on the cross Jesus, and it dawned on me that those men and women sacrificed for us.”
He asked the audience if they were aware that there has been 1.2 million who have given their lives thus far.
“If they could holler from their graves, they would be telling each of us that, is it time for action!” he added. “20 years in the Navy taught me that men will give their life for me.”
Beaudoin recalled, “I can remember being on a submarine at sea. The pressure went down. We did not know why but we knew 124 men died that day. We were put on alert. While I was standing in the missile compartment ready to shoot missiles if we had to, one of the officers looked at us and said, “We get two off.” I asked what he meant by two. He said by the second round they got us and we are dead. But we all knew that.”
“Understand that men and women all over the world know that they could be the first to be hit,” Beaudoin said. “Our country has a whole lot of clocks ticking. We are out of fuel so we cannot fight a war. We are out of recruits because of getting rid of conservatives. There are teaching critical race theory. How do I know? My Granddaughter’s husband is in the Marine Corps, and he is telling me that they are destroying our military and that is not good! And we are buying into this WOKE stupidity. You can get mad at me.”
“I open my book which is my guide. When you realize there is a creator, there is an instruction booklet. It is amazing,” he said. “I think that the only hope that we have is that we all have to take a stand.”
Beaudoin shared stories of what he seen as a corpsman.
“What I am saying is I have seen all of the paths that women and men can take. Drugs, alcohol, and their list goes on,” he shared. “At the VA I seen the ravages of war.”
“Yet we have taken God out of everything,” Beaudoin continued. “You have to take a stand. So, I want you to think about that today. All of those vets that died for our country, God, and country, if they saw you sitting on the fence and doing nothing, what would they say to you? Take that with you today. I think about all those vets that have passed away and I will open my mouth until he takes me home.”
The VFW Post 4491 ended the memorial service sharing the gun salute and playing Taps.
While some stood as such attention they looked like statues, others dropped their heads as tears slowly caressed their cheeks.
The program that was handed out had a quote from President Ronald Reagan from 1986, “Today is the day we put aside to remember fallen heroes and to pray that no heroes will ever have to die for us again. It is a day of thanks for the valor of others, a day to remember the splendor of American and those of her children who rest in various cemeteries.”
“We have had speakers, we have sung, and the taps have been played. What is left to do on this day?” MacDonald ended. “Today go to your homes and thank God for our men and women in the services of this Nation. Gather and be a proud American. Celebrate life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Live out the American dream and pass the ideas and importance of it to the next generation!”
