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Cobb recognizes work of citizens, veterans
Editor's note: Retired Col. James Cobb, U.S. Marine Corps was master of ceremonies and presented the following speech at the dedication of the Highland County Veterans Memorial Sunday.
 | | Retired Marine Col. James Cobb was master of ceremonies. |
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"I would like to welcome everyone here this afternoon and thank you for attending. Your presence is an honor to this Memorial and all veterans who served their country, be it during peace or wartime. I am confident this dedication will be both meaningful and interesting to you and particularly to the Veterans present. I know that all veterans thank you for your support not only today, but throughout the years.
"At this time I ask you to rise for the presentation of colors by the Weapons Training Battalion, Quantico, Va. Color Guard, and remain standing through the National Anthem and presentation of individual service flags. I would also ask that those males present remove their hats.
"Please be seated. There are several groups and individuals in attendance today that I would like to recognize and thank for their assistance - the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Highland County Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squads, the Presbyterian Choir, Past National Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Richard Homan, State Senator or the 24th district, Emmett Hanger and his wife Sharon, the Highland County Board of Supervisors and last but certainly not least Judge Wood who made this memorial possible. I would also like to read two letters to you, which we received from members of Congress.
 | | Highland's memorial dedication was attended by many local veterans. Pictured are, left, Jim Hutchison; upper left (lr), Richard Waybright and the Rev. Derek Tomek; upper right, (l-r), Todd Brendel, Sgt. Miller, Keith Shaner, Gene Meyer and Tim Duff; and right, George "Goog" Colaw. Bottom left, Meyer is in civilian attire at the Highland Elementary School veterans' breakfast Monday morning. Bottom right, Carol and Jacob Hevener met while serving in the Army in Europe during World War II. (Recorder photos by James Jacenich) |
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"With all the work that has gone into design, procurement and construction of this memorial, most would think this project must have started perhaps a couple of years ago. However, what you see here today in fact began in January of this year, with an idea and vision of a single person - that being Richard Waybright.
"Now he probably would rather I not single him out and talk about his efforts, but Richard, you are not getting off easy today. If you had been the Master of Ceremonies you could have called the shots, but as we say in the Corps, too bad-so sad. You will just have to sit there and take it.
"Back this past January, Richard was on one of his many visits to the courthouse - I assume on official business - when after looking out from the courthouse steps he thought, wouldn't it be nice to have some benches on the courthouse lawn and in addition to the benches, there should be some type of plaque or memorial. Richard's next stop was to see the county administrator, Roberta Lambert, who concurred with the idea, and then it was on to get the agreement of the board of supervisors and finally, Judge Wood.
"Next, Richard approached the directors of his Ruritan club at Mill Gap to see if the club would 'spearhead' this project, and when presented to the club, he received unanimous support.
"It was about this time that the idea for a plaque for veterans was put aside and the memorial began to grow.
"With the increase in scope, it was realized that the project would require the help of all of the civic clubs in the county and it wasn't long before the Mill Gap Ruritans were joined by the Blue Grass, Stonewall, and Bolar Ruritans, and the (Monterey) Lions Club, with assistance being provided by Roberta Lambert. Since Richard had the idea for the project, he was immediately elected as chairman.
"The project that started out as a few benches and a plaque grew into the Memorial and Walk of Honor you are viewing today. 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. Rather than limit the walk to the current 622 pavers, this memorial remains a work in progress as new pavers will be sold on an annual basis and made part of the Walk of Honor, optimally on each Veterans' Day.
"In addition to the clubs I mentioned a few moments ago, a thanks goes to Jerry Rexrode and his secretaries Tina Waybright and Crystal Stephenson, and the crew of Rexrode Masonry for assisting in the efforts to obtain materials and construct the memorial, and to David and Robert Lightner for procuring and installing the lighting system.
"Finally, a special thanks to the two committee members who kept this project moving and did 98 percent of the work the committee was responsible for - Roberta Lambert and Richard Waybright.
Speakers introduced
"We are honored today to have as our guest speaker, Brig. Gen. Jim Laster. Gen. Laster is no stranger to Highland County or many of its citizens, having made numerous trips here over the past six years. Gen. Laster is a native of Dallas, Texas, and was commissioned in the Marine Corps in 1978. In his nearly 30 years as a Marine, Gen. Laster has had virtually every command billet available to an infantry officer to include platoon, company, battalion. Operations and executive office at the battalion and Regimental level and has commanded the Marine Maritime Special Purpose Force of a Special Operations Capable, Marine Expeditionary Unit. As a colonel, he was selected to command The Basic School, one of the premier assignments for a colonel, where all newly commissioned officers receive their basic training.
"Additionally, he served as White House Social Aide to President Reagan and later as Aide de Camp to the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
"He is a graduate of Army Airborne School, a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Army Advanced Infantry Officers course, a distinguished graduate of Marine Corps Command and Staff College and a graduate of the National War College. As a testament to his leadership and tactical proficiency, Gen. Laster, as a captain, was awarded the Leftwich trophy, an award given to only one Marine Infantry Captain on an annual basis.
"Gen. Laster is currently the Commanding General of Training Command which is responsible for the training of every Marine in the Marine Corps.
"Gen. Laster is married to the former Roma Koon. They have two children, Wyatt and Sara Grace."
Laying of the wreath
"Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for the laying of the wreath to honor all veterans. The wreath layers are Navy Veteran Arnett Gutshall and Army Veteran Frank Smith. They are being assisted by Capt. Ted Headley, U.S. Marine Corps.
"Among the many songs that would be appropriate for today's dedication the one selected and sung by Vickie King is perhaps the best choice that could be made.
Tribute to walk of
honor
"By now you have no doubt read the poem in your program penned by Mary Cantrell. Mary is one of those rare individuals who can write a poem in short order yet by its message and meaning one would think days of thought went in its composing. An individual with tremendous talent, please welcome Mary Cantrell as she reads a special poem she wrote for today's dedication.
Benediction
"Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for the benediction delivered by the Rev. Derek Tomek of the Monterey United Methodist Charge and also a U.S. Army veteran. Please remain standing for the Playing of Taps and Retiring of the Colors.
Conclusion
"Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes our dedication ceremony. Please join us for refreshments."
Letter from
Congressman Bob
Goodlatte
"Dear Roberta, Thank you for inviting me to be with you all today as you dedicate the new Veterans Memorial and Walk of Honor. I sincerely regret that I cannot be present with you as you celebrate this occasion.
"This Veterans' Memorial will serve as a tangible reminder of the sacrifices of the noble men and women of our Armed Forces. 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.
"Again, I am sorry that I am not there with you today as you remember. May we never forget.
"God bless you all.
"Very truly yours,
Bob Goodlatte, Member of Congress"
Letter from Sen. Jim
Webb
"Dear Richard and Friends: Thank you for the invitation to join you as you commemorate Veterans Day in Highland County and dedicate your Veterans Memorial. I regret that I am unable to join you, but please know that I appreciate your continuing efforts to remember this nation's veterans.
"I am proud to have served in our military, and to be part of a family with a long history of military service. The issues surrounding the men and women of our armed forces - active duty, reserves, and veterans alike - remain a top priority for me, as they have for a number of years.
"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.
"Sincerely, Jim Webb, United States Senator."
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