A Field of Flags, a Community of Gratitude

By Karen Owens
Publisher

More than 300 American flags waved in tribute to veterans this past weekend as the community gathered for an early Veterans Day celebration and the dedication of the sixth annual Field of Honor. Retired veterans and their spouses and families joined Georgetown High School Junior ROTC cadets, the Pawleys Island Concert Band, members of the Georgetown and Pawleys Kiwanis Clubs, and community members for the ceremony. The display will remain on the front lawn of the former International Paper mill site through December 12. 

A gentle breeze stirred the flags on a beautiful fall day, each one honoring a service member—some still with us, others remembered with love. Flag sponsorships from local businesses, residents and organizations will help provide scholarships for local students to continue their education, connecting a tribute to service with an investment in the next generation.

Emceed by Kiwanis member Richard Nesbit, the program also honored Georgetown’s Revolutionary War heritage. Ken Baezler of Georgetown County 250 offered remarks commemorating Revolutionary heroes, and Corinne Pate McLaurin Hoch gave a dramatic reading of Mary Ouldfield Herriot’s letters recounting her family’s experiences and Georgetown’s role in the War for Independence. Cadet Lt. Commander Emma Holt read the names of local Revolutionary soldiers.

Three veterans in attendance—Vernon Neal, Donald Ladson and Carl Ladson—received Quilts of Valor. Lovingly made by the Myrtle Beach Shore Birds Chapter, the patriotic quilts offered a warm and personal expression of gratitude for their service.

Retired Army Master Sgt.  Junie Christian delivered a powerful keynote address about the journey that led him to the U.S. Army. Born on the Caribbean island of Antigua, he moved unexpectedly to the South Bronx at age 15. He recalled finding his way into a recruiting office as a young man and making a decision to enlist that changed the course of his life for the better.

Christian acknowledged that many veterans say little about their military service, even when they appreciate being thanked. His encouragement was simple: get to know veterans as people. He invited everyone to walk among the flags, read the names and pause to imagine what those being honored had seen or done in service to our country.

The ceremony was a reminder that gratitude can begin close to home. More than 41 million Americans have served over our nation’s 250-year history. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs figures cited here, South Carolina is home to approximately 390,000 to 400,000 living veterans—roughly 8% to 9% of the state’s adult population. That places the state 15th nationwide in veteran population, even as it ranks 23rd in total population. Behind those numbers are neighbors, friends and family members, each with a story worth hearing. Through December 12, the Field of Honor offers a place to pause, remember and give thanks. Let’s carry that spirit beyond the display by listening to a veteran’s story, supporting the next generation and making gratitude part of everyday life.