Grayson, GA- Young women in uniform have long provided social events for handsome men in uniform. On Friday night, 11-11-11, the young women of the Girl Scout Troops from Grayson created, along with some help from the City of Grayson and other volunteers, a canteen reminiscent of a USO Dance.
It was a social event that could have made the soldiers feel at home in any era. A live band played upbeat period tunes that had toes tapping and brought on the first topic of conversation for the night…memories. Those memories were punctuated by many testimonies following the Presentation of Colors by the US Naval Sea Cadets 233rd Naval SEABEE Battalion. There were touching tributes by Joseph Paul, (UGA Redcoat Marching Band) who played Taps, Rev. Joe Paul who prayed a Blessing of the Veterans, the Grayson UMC choir’s Tribute to Veterans and Mr. Jack Britt who lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Jim Hinkle, dressed in his desert fatigues, took the stage as Master of Ceremonies among the giant paper poppies in Flanders’ Field. The children of Grayson Elementary School provided the paper poppies that they made in Art Class under the direction of Mrs. Umans and Mrs. Smith. Mrs. Helen Adams of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 232 read the poem “In Flanders’ Field.”
The reading was followed by an incredible solo by Steve Sheppard, Minister of Music at GUMC. Steve sang “You Raise Me Up,” to an attentive crowd, many of whom continued to wipe tears that had started with the poetry reading. Following these incredible performances, Mrs. Janet Perry of The Daughters Of The American Revolution (Philadelphia Winn Chapter) gave her thoughts on “Those Who Wait, Also Serve.” She was given supportive statements by veterans: Travis Towler, Jim Argo, Jack Britt, Jim Hinkle, Tracy Gerrard, Eddie Rollins, Doug Delvato and Dick Shannon, just to name a few who wanted those in attendance to understand that for a soldier’s family, daily life IS service.
The special guests included S Sgt. Travis Towler and Col. USMCR (Ret.) Jim Argo. S. Sgt. Towler presented Mayor and Mrs. Hinkle with an American flag flown in combat. Col. Argo followed the presentation with an amazing story of the Fall of Saigon and just what it took to see that many made it to safety. Col. Argo told of boats, planes, trains, buses and cars moving thousands more people than they were originally prepared for. Despite the challenge, Argo’s men made sure that no Marine was left behind in the effort. He smiled and recalled that it was a close call when he was doing a “head count” and realized that there were indeed Marines missing. He and some of his men jumped into helicopters and returned to the Embassy where they found their missing Marines-the Embassy Bodyguards had not left their posts even amidst the fall. Argo finished his speech among the paper poppies with a rousing “God Bless America…Hurrah!” which was heartily resounded by the guests sitting in the canteen.
The young women in the Troop 1451 Cadette uniforms sat quietly listening to the speakers. They didn’t text or talk, they showed respect for those veterans. They did, however, offer these words written all around the edges of the Veteran’s Day Program:
“Our soldiers are lots of things, but I think they are courageous and brave. I am glad we have people as brave as they are in this country for the army. I am proud of them.” –Sophie P.
“I think that these soldiers have truly served their purpose in protecting this country. These are our heroes.” – Natasha S.
“I think that they are the true heroes and that they should know it. I want to thank them so much for all that they have done. – Samantha V.
“I think it’s awesome that these soldiers had the guts to go and fight in all of these battles and wars.” Taylor K.
“I think these and other soldiers are very brave. Their stories amaze me. I hope they pass their bravery on to the next generation.” – Joselyn W.
Mayor Hinkle and those volunteers who worked so hard to make this tribute a success can take the words of these young women as evidence of Mission Accomplished-Hurrah!
FreelanceBeth 