Dateline: November 14, 2002

Donley citizens honor American veterans

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Citizens in Donley County gathered on two separate occasions over the weekend to remember the sacrifices of America’s veterans.

The Adamson-Lane Post 287 of the American Legion hosted special services in the Rowe Cemetery near Hedley Saturday for the second year. Connie Debord gave the invocation, and the colors were posted by J.D. Skaggs and Doyle Messer. The National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance followed.

Donley County Judge Jack Hall spoke on the history of Veterans Day and its origins with the Armistice which ended World War I. Hall also recited the poem, “In Flanders Fields.”  Legion Post Commander Jack Moreman remembered the 50th anniversary of the Korean War and recited an inscription from a New Mexico war memorial entitled “What is a Soldier?”.

Barbara Collins sang “God Bless America,” and Kristen Dwight performed “Taps.”

A good crowd braved the cold and near rainy weather Monday for the fourth annual Veterans Day service at the Donley County War Memorial hosted by VFW Post 7782.

Visiting groups and organizations amassed their flags, and the colors were posted by James Thomas and T.C. Saye. VFW Chaplain Jimmy Swinney gave the invocation, and the Bronco Band played “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The Hedley School Choir performed “Where the Stars & Stripes and the Eagle Fly,” and the VFW’s Bill Holden gave the introduction and spoke on the symbolism of Old Glory. The Bronco Band played its award-winning medley of war tunes from throughout our nation’s history, featuring songs such as “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” and “The Ballad of the Green Berets.”

Jack Moreman discussed the Korean War anniversary and noted that the men and women serving there today are not much older than the students in the band and choir.

The Bronco Band then played snippets from the service songs of each branch of the US military. Veterans stood as their service song was played.

Speakers for the morning included Judge Hall, Holden, and VFW District Commander Paul DeWolfe.

The VFW held its customary memorial service followed by “Taps” as played by Vanna Holton.

A wreath was laid at the War Memorial, and the benediction was given.

The service ended with visitors placing flags near the names of loved ones on the walkway of the memorial.