|
A day of honor
New veterans' memorial dedicated
BY JAMES JACENICH • STAFF WRITER
 | | At Sunday's dedication of the Highland Veterans' Memorial and Walk of Honor, (l-r) Army veteran Frank Smith, who was wounded and taken prisoner in World War II, Marine Capt. Ted Headley, and Navy veteran Arnet Gutshall, who survived the sinking of a ship by enemy fire during World War II, laid a wreath at the foot of the memorial. (Recorder photo by James Jacenich) |
|
MONTEREY - The rain many had prayed for broke long enough for the Veterans' Day dedication of the Highland County Veterans Memorial and Walk of Honor Sunday.
More than 300 people attended the formal 2 p.m. ceremony on the courthouse lawn in Monterey. Many donned coats and sweaters to ward off the chill wind that blew throughout that day. Further west in the county, snow formed on mountain peaks, farmers continued to make preparations for the coming winter, and residents secured their homes against the onslaught of colder weather.
Back in Monterey, though, veterans in uniform joined veterans in civilian attire, family and friends to celebrate the completion of phase one of what organizers called a "work in progress."
Retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. James Cobb of Meadowdale was master of ceremonies. He said the memorial, dedicated to all those who served in the armed forces of the United States, would continue to grow as more bricks, each with the name, service and years of service engraved, were added to the Walk of Honor. Cobb is a combat veteran of Vietnam, Desert Storm and Somalia.
The U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard from Quantico presented colors. Lola Sestrap and Kevin Wagner sang the National Anthem.
Representatives of each branch of the military unfurled their service's flags as the anthems played. Sp. 4 Todd Brendel raised the Army flag; Sgt. Miller, Marine Corps; Petty Officer 1st Class Keith Shaner, Navy; retired Tech. Sgt. Eugene Meyer, Air Force; and retired Chief Warrant Officer Tim Duff, Coast Guard.
Cobb recognized Army veteran Richard Waybright as chairman and initiator of the memorial. Cobb said Waybright came up with the idea in January to have a few benches and a memorial to veterans. The idea was embraced by county administrator Roberta Lambert and local community service organizations, and expanded until it included a brick walk of honor, lined with benches, leading to an amphitheater with the services' emblems encased in granite, surrounded by six flag poles - one for each service and one for the U.S. flag.
The Mill Gap Ruritan Club was the first club to contribute to the effort. It was soon joined by the Blue Grass, Stonewall, and Bolar Ruritan clubs and the Monterey Lions Club. Lambert assisted throughout the project.
"Money was raised through individual donations, a significant donation from the local Veterans of Foreign Wars, and by the selling of 622 engraved bricks or 'pavers' that constitute the Walk of Honor," Cobb explained.
Highland County supervisors Jerry Rexrode, Robin Sullenberger, Lee Blagg and newly elected board member David Blanchard attended the ceremony. Rexrode and Blagg are both veterans - Rexrode of the Army and Blagg of the Air Force, both of the Vietnam era.
Cobb thanked Rexrode and his secretaries Tina Waybright and Crystal Stephenson, and the crew of Rexrode Masonry for assisting in obtaining materials and constructing the memorial, and David and Robert Lightner for the procurement and installation of the lighting system.
Sen. Emmett Hanger of the 24th District and his wife, Sharon, were among the guests at the dedication. Hanger is a National Guard veteran.
Cobb read a letter from Sen. Jim Webb. "The men and women who have served in our military deserve continuing and lasting support. Your event today, and the construction of your memorial, helps ensure that we never cease to remember the courage and honor of our men and women in uniform," Webb wrote.
U.S. Congressman Bob Goodlatte also wrote a letter to the committee> "This Veterans' Memorial will serve as a tangible reminder of the sacrifices of the noble men and women of our Armed Forces," he said. "We may hold our heads high as we walk along the Walk of Honor, holding dear to our hearts what they gave for the freedoms we enjoy today. This memorial is the realization of a dream, a fitting tribute, and now will remain steadfast reminder of courage, dignity and sacrifice for the betterment of all humanity."
Brig. Gen. James Laster, commanding general of the U.S. Marine Corps Training Command, and a frequent Highland visitor, was guest speaker.
"Veterans of Highland County, like our men and women today across the globe, have and continue to risk and dedicate their lives in order to protect this great nation and our freedom," said Laster.
He praised World War II veterans Arnet Gutshall, whose Navy ship was sunk by enemy fire; Frank Smith, who was wounded and taken prisoner during the Battle of the Bulge in Dec. 1944; and Houston Smith, who was wounded in action. Laster also mentioned two Army veterans who met in Germany during World War II and subsequently married: Jacob and Carol Hevener. From the Korean War, he mentioned Ross Hefner, who was a prisoner of war then. Roger Botkin was wounded while serving in Vietnam. The latest Highland veterans were also honored - April and Landon Reedy, both on current deployment to Iraq.
"Highland County is also home to a thriving community of military families," said Laster. "Your support for those who wear the uniform and your support of each other through difficult times brings great pride to our country and could serve as a role model for all communities throughout America.
"The soul of America is as strong and pure here in Highland as your mountain air … You folks live and breathe the idea that some things are worth standing up for and some things are worth fighting for … your values, and your love for our country is without equal."
Laster said the bricks on the Walk of Honor represented more than those who were in the military. "They represent this community's service to America by giving forth your most precious gifts … the lives of your sons and daughters."
Marine Corps Capt. Ted Headley assisted Gutshall and Smith as they laid a wreath at the memorial.
Vickie King sang "God Bless the USA."
Poet Mary Cantrell read her poem, "A Vision in Courage," and dedicated it to the memorial.
The Rev. Derek Tomek, pastor of Monterey United Methodist Church and an Army veteran, gave the benediction.
Refreshments were served at the courthouse following the ceremony.
| 
)