Newland Celebrates Memorial Day


 

Monday May 28th 2012, marked the 16th annual Avery County Memorial Day Ceremony in Newland, N. C. Phillip Greene opened the ceremony, with invocation followed by Rev. Craig Clark. ACHS JROTC was there to post the colors, and the National Anthem was sung by Mr. Buck Wicker. VFW Pat Ray Post commander Bill Dean and Anthony Pollygus a member of the honor guard then presented plaques to veterans Jim Hughes, Earl LaBabara, Jack Trivette, Staples Carpenter and Sam Ray. Special Guest Speaker Army LT. Col Sam Houston was there not only to be the guest speaker, but also to present the VFW Pat Ray Post plaque honoring his father Col. Sam Houston USMC. LTC Houston a native of Avery County and a graduate of West Point, earning a bachelors degree in aerospace engineering, and later a Masters Degree at Providence College. LTC Sam Houston told the audience, “We come here not to mourn but to praise them.” In war, there is no prize for the runner up He concluded by quoting scripture from John 15: 13 “Greater love hath no man than this , that a man lay down his life for his friends.” LTC Houston said he had heard this scripture all his life, but did not realize its true significance until he became a member of the military. Gene Thomas and Pat Tolley then presented the wreath honoring our departed comrades. Pat Ray Post 4286 then gave the 21-gun salute; this was followed with TAPS played by Chris Bertolini. Benediction was give by VFW Chaplain Fred Stout, followed by the JROTC Color Guard retiring the colors and Phillip Greene dismissing the Ceremony. We at MTN 18 would like to thank all our active duty military and veterans for their service and also invite you tune into our Veteran Voice program we have been airing with Veterans from all theaters of war and conflicts. Check our schedule on MTN18.COM for air dates.