Pam Dudding-Burch
Contributing writer
President Ronald Reagan was once quoted on Memorial Day saying, “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 America and those of her children who rest in various cemeteries.”
On Monday, May 28, Craig County citizens gathered on the lawn of the Court House to honor the memory of those who courageously made the ultimate sacrifice for The United States of America.
Paul Beaudoin, member of Craig Valley VFW Post #4491, opened the ceremony, ringing of the bell 21 times to denote the 21-gun salute, which has become a symbol of most nation’s highest honor rendered.
The silence spoke loudly in reflecting respect to the service and the servicemen and women who had died over the years.
Members of the VFW Post #4491 honorably presented the Colors wile VFW member Ken Looney gave a heartfelt invocation.
The Pledge of Allegiance and the playing of the National Anthem followed immediately afterward. Many tears were shed at this moment.
The choir from the New Castle Christian Church, led by D.R. Looney, sang songs that permeated the atmosphere with new melodic and celebratory songs of honor.
One song titled Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly included some words of America the Beautiful. It went: “Well, if you ask me where I come from, here’s what I tell everyone. I was born by God’s dear grace, in an extraordinary place, where the stars and stripes and the eagle fly. It’s a big ole land with countless dreams and happiness isn’t out of reach.”
Other words impacted all in attendance. “I’m so glad to be called an American and to be named with the brave and the free,” many said. “Heal our Land, blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”
Mayor John ‘Bucky’ Johnson introduced the event’s guest speaker, Paul Beaudoin, who served 20 years in the United States Navy and retired as a Submarine Medic. He later served at the V.A. Hospital Medic to help people living with PTSD.
Beaudoin stepped up to the podium with a military stance. “There is freedom of religion still in this Country, and the Bible is still my guide,” he began.
Then, Beaudoin went on to share his story. “I first experienced someone giving their life for our Country at a funeral when I was six,” he said. “His name was Raymond Beaudoin, and he died saving his comrades. The Congressional Medal of Honor was given to him.”
Years later, Beaudoin would go on to serve 20 years in the Navy. “A whole lot of things happened to me but most importantly, during that time I met my Savior Jesus Christ,” he said with pride. “I had broken my back, and the Doctor told me I would never walk again. Jesus saved me.”
Beaudoin also discussed his years of experience at the V.A. Hospital. His facial expression changed when he explained how he saw the penalty of war, what it does to people and how it damaged them.
“Drugs and alcohol try to fill in for God, but it don’t work because you are in a deep dark abyss and that is one reason why suicides are through the roof,” he said.
Beaudoin complimented all of the Veterans for their continued service and dedication to the Country and noted that even in the face of death, he had seen unbelievable courage in them.
“You never have to worry about your military because no matter how much the politicians try to disable our military, they will always find a way to win the battle. They will always fight, and they will always win,” he said.
Beaudoin believes that the swamp is no longer in Washington, D.C., but in universities where critical thinking is taught.
“Many come home and are now against our country. They no longer show respect for the officers that protect us or even the First Responders,” he said. “The Pledge of Allegiance is no longer said in schools, prayer is outlawed, the Bible is no longer permitted, and people are being sworn into office on things other than the Bible.”
Beaudoin also noted that he wonders where boys look to today as many no longer have a father at home and believes that the loss of Biblical marriage has destroyed many homes.
“I can hear the founding fathers screaming in their graves, saying ‘What have you done?’” he mentioned. “We came here, and we wanted freedom of religion, not freedom from.”
Beaudoin encouraged all in attendance to make a difference with their vote. “Silence is not golden,” Beaudoin concluded. “You are the only ones that can change our Country.”
“That was a very moving message,” one citizen shared.
Mayor Johnson gave thanks to the local Craig Valley VFW Post #4491 and all who assisted in the program. David Givens provided the sound system and the Craig Valley NSDAR and Town Council were significant factors also.
The service ended with the heartfelt song Taps while many held their hand over their heart or bowed their heads.
Ken Looney, a Veteran, shared with emotional tears that, “Memorial Day reminds me of how grateful I am for the sacrifices all the men and women have made and how grateful I am that we live in this nation.”
