Today as we pause to remember those who have served in the Armed Forces, for us at Mountain Home, it’s a special day. For the first time we gathered specifically to pay tribute to those who have severed our nation.
Twenty-two people of all ages gathered this morning and after brief remarks, split out into six groups to place a total of 79 American Flags at the graves of those we know had served. If there are others, we ask that someone in their family let us know so that we may acknowledge their service.
The flags for today’s service, as well as a 23-ft flag pole and flag that will be permanently erected in the interior of the old oak tree stump in front of the church, were made possible through the generous donation of The Tidal W. McCoy Foundation. McCoy, also a Veteran, served in the U.S. Army during times of war and peace. In 1981, President Reagan appointed him the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, where he served as well as Under Secretary and Acting Secretary of the U. S. Air Force, leaving the last post in 1989. McCoy also served at the Pentagon under three Secretaries of Defense. Thank you for your service Secretary McCoy!
We thank him and his foundation for the generous contribution to this historic place. A place that has served to provide a final resting place of peace since the 1800’s, foreign and domestic, there are members who served, some lost in battle, others a short or long time after they served, but for all of them, we are grateful for their service.
In a world where peace is hard to find, and freedoms are threatened, today – and every day – is a great day to thank a Veteran for defending the freedoms we enjoy. Our right to live free, to speak our individual opinions, to protect ourselves and those we love, and so many others as guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution and subsequently in The Bill of Rights, have always been worth fighting to protect, and I pray they will always be.
America has been a beacon of hope around the world during many horrible times, defending freedom, that we may continue to live as a free people.
If you enjoy the freedoms you have as an American – say Thank You to a Veteran!