Ceremonies cite sacrifices by U.S. service veterans
From our weekly issue dated May 28, 2008
Memorial Day observances included a visit to Eagle Point National Cemetery by some Illinois Valley residents (Photo by Paul Binker, age 9).
As an emotive drum cadence was rapped out, the entire student body of Illinois Valley High School gathered in silence beneath the U.S. flag in front of the school.
It was Friday morning, May 23, as students stood respectfully and still during a special Memorial Day ceremony orchestrated by Sean McKee, music director. History teacher Steve Morgan was the lone speaker.
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During the hushed ceremony, he stated that Decoration Day, now Memorial Day, first was enacted to honor the dead from the American Civil War. As Memorial Day it now serves to honor all U.S. military personnel who have died in the line of duty.
A display of 2,000 U.S. flags made an impressive showing at Grants Pass High School, thanks to Evergreen Federal Bank (Photo by Illinois Valley News).
Morgan said that his grandfather and his father served, respectively, in World War I and WWII. He noted that WWI was “the war to end all wars, but it didn’t.” Further, that WWII was “keep the world safe for democracy,” but that hasn’t happened either.
Morgan said that what matters is not necessarily to question the motives of politicians, but to honor those in the military who have sacrificed, many with their lives.
“Sacrifice matters,” he told the students. “Remember the ones who gave their lives.”
The sacrifices made by U.S. military personnel were highlighted during a ceremony at Illinois Valley High School. One student plays Taps while retired USAF Chief MSgt. Ed Faircloth lowers the flag to half staff (Photo by Illinois Valley News).
The ceremony included lowering the flag to half-staff. That was done by IVHS librarian Ed Faircloth, a retired U.S. Air Force Chief MSgt. with 30 years service. Two students released red, white and blue balloons after placing a memorial wreath at the base of the pole.
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Also, the names of IVHS employees and relations with military service were noted. Some were read aloud; others were listed later. They are:
Randy E. Kent, E-5, who served in Vietnam; Jake Tardy, of the Class of 2005, a U.S. Navy E-3 now in the Submarine Service, and the son of Tara Thornhill; Cpl. Matt Silvius, deployed in Iraq for eight months and now in the Persian Gulf. He is the son of Annie Norton.
Sean McKee directed the Cougar choir in singing America the Beautiful (Photo by Illinois Valley News).
Also, Colt Curdy, who served in the USAF in Iraq, and who is the son of B.J. Latva; U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Gary Paul Sr., who served in Vietnam; Faircloth; U.S. Army Sgt. Gary Paul Jr., a 1995 IVHS graduate serving his second deployment in Iraq as a medic; and U.S. Army Pfc. Andrew Gamble, who served during the Korean War, and who is the husband of nearly 50 years to Barbara Gamble.
McKee directed the choir in singing America the Beautiful, and the band played The Star-Spangled Banner.
The gathered students then filed away, returning in silence to their classes -- with thoughts of Memorial Day and sacrifice in mind.
United Veterans of Josephine County hosted a display of 2,000 U.S. flags at Grants Pass High School during the Memorial Day weekend. Sentries taking shifts maintained a constant salute for fallen comrades (Photo by Illinois Valley News).
Other Observances Held
Members of Boy Scout Troop 880, with some of their friends, placed U.S. flags on the graves of military veterans at Laurel Cemetery in Cave Junction on Saturday, May 24. They were directed by Glenn Morrison American Legion Post 70.
On Monday morning, May 26, the post conducted a Memorial Day observance at CJ City Hall to honor U.S. veterans of all conflicts, campaigns and wars.
At Grants Pass High School, an impressive display of 2,000 U.S. flags filled the track field from Saturday through Monday. The presentation of flags was sponsored by Evergreen Federal Bank for the Josephine County community.
The banners were dedicated “to those who have served; to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice; and to those who continue to protect our freedom.” The program was hosted by United Veterans of Josephine County.
Other observances included the placing of flags at Eagle Point National Cemetery; and a Marine Corps League program on Memorial day at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Grants Pass.
At Laurel Cemetery in Cave Junction Boy Scout Troop 880 and friends placed flags on the gravesites of military veterans (Photo by Illinois Valley News).
