thedrifter
11-01-07, 08:04 AM
Posted on Thu, Nov. 01, 2007
Flags, bricks honor war veterans in Camden
By MARJORIE RIDDLE
mriddle@thestate.com
Two weeks shy of Veterans Day, World War II, Korean War and other military veterans gathered to remember soldiers who have lost their lives and to recognize others who have served in battle.
Members and friends of the James Leroy Belk American Legion Post 17 in Camden dedicated engraved bricks and service flags Saturday in the post’s rose garden.
Six new flags representing the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines join the American Legion, POW and American flags outside the American Legion Post off U.S. 1.
To pay for the flags and accompanying poles, American Legion members sold 324 engraved bricks to the community to honor war veterans and other individuals.
“The names will stay there forever. It’s a good testimony to put the veterans’ names where they will always stay, and it’s a good honor,” said Cayce resident Chris Williams, whose stepfather Carl Sturkie had a brick engraved in his honor.
Sturkie, who used to live in Elgin and now lives in West Columbia, served as a medic in World War II.
These bricks “show a lot of respect,” he said.
Given and Jane Webster began the flag and brick project more than a year ago.
They wanted to place the flags in front of the American Legion post to represent the different services of the American nation and offered bricks to honor and memorialize local military veterans.
But they wanted to make the project accessible to the public, so the bricks were offered to the community as a means of recognizing any individual who has made a difference.
One of the bricks was engraved with “CHS Bulldogs 1964 State Championship Football Team 13-0,” recognizing Camden High School’s state championship win from 43 years ago.
The bricks were sold for $50 each, and while the brick pathway was dedicated last weekend, the Websters are open to extending it if individuals or groups still want to buy bricks.
“We’re extremely pleased with the project; it’s a pleasant surprise,” said Jane Webster. “This is for the people who’ve served and who are still serving.”
Families with multiple military veterans were grouped together in the brick pathway, and medal of honor winners’ bricks were laid out at the top.
Tim Webb, Camden High School Junior ROTC instructor, led the school’s color guard at Saturday’s dedication.
In the Army for the last 25 years, Webb had a brick in the pathway to recognize his service.
“It’s important for people to realize that heritage is important and that freedom’s not free,” he said. “Some pay the ultimate price.”
The American Legion provides fellowship and support for military veterans, said Melissa Osborne, a Navy veteran and a member of American Legion Post 17.
The nonprofit American Legion helps veterans apply for assistance from the Veterans Affairs Office and provides support for youth through various community programs, among other things.
Reach Riddle at (803) 771-8435.
Ellie
Flags, bricks honor war veterans in Camden
By MARJORIE RIDDLE
mriddle@thestate.com
Two weeks shy of Veterans Day, World War II, Korean War and other military veterans gathered to remember soldiers who have lost their lives and to recognize others who have served in battle.
Members and friends of the James Leroy Belk American Legion Post 17 in Camden dedicated engraved bricks and service flags Saturday in the post’s rose garden.
Six new flags representing the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines join the American Legion, POW and American flags outside the American Legion Post off U.S. 1.
To pay for the flags and accompanying poles, American Legion members sold 324 engraved bricks to the community to honor war veterans and other individuals.
“The names will stay there forever. It’s a good testimony to put the veterans’ names where they will always stay, and it’s a good honor,” said Cayce resident Chris Williams, whose stepfather Carl Sturkie had a brick engraved in his honor.
Sturkie, who used to live in Elgin and now lives in West Columbia, served as a medic in World War II.
These bricks “show a lot of respect,” he said.
Given and Jane Webster began the flag and brick project more than a year ago.
They wanted to place the flags in front of the American Legion post to represent the different services of the American nation and offered bricks to honor and memorialize local military veterans.
But they wanted to make the project accessible to the public, so the bricks were offered to the community as a means of recognizing any individual who has made a difference.
One of the bricks was engraved with “CHS Bulldogs 1964 State Championship Football Team 13-0,” recognizing Camden High School’s state championship win from 43 years ago.
The bricks were sold for $50 each, and while the brick pathway was dedicated last weekend, the Websters are open to extending it if individuals or groups still want to buy bricks.
“We’re extremely pleased with the project; it’s a pleasant surprise,” said Jane Webster. “This is for the people who’ve served and who are still serving.”
Families with multiple military veterans were grouped together in the brick pathway, and medal of honor winners’ bricks were laid out at the top.
Tim Webb, Camden High School Junior ROTC instructor, led the school’s color guard at Saturday’s dedication.
In the Army for the last 25 years, Webb had a brick in the pathway to recognize his service.
“It’s important for people to realize that heritage is important and that freedom’s not free,” he said. “Some pay the ultimate price.”
The American Legion provides fellowship and support for military veterans, said Melissa Osborne, a Navy veteran and a member of American Legion Post 17.
The nonprofit American Legion helps veterans apply for assistance from the Veterans Affairs Office and provides support for youth through various community programs, among other things.
Reach Riddle at (803) 771-8435.
Ellie