Monument marks American pride, history
LEE ZION, EDITOR
Harrison County Times-Reporter
WOODBINE — About 50 people came out in the evening June 30 to celebrate a new chapter of American history and democracy.
The town dedicated its Veterans Honor Park, just east of the intersection of Fourth and Walker Streets. The event was a patriotic ceremony and also a nod to America’s 250th birthday.
Mark Westermeyer delivered the invocation, saying the site was dedicated “to the service and sacrifice of those who have worn the uniform of our nation.”
Steve Harrington, commander of American Legion Post No. 143, said this was an important moment for Woodbine, as well, because now veterans had a place where they could stop and reflect.
“It adds a wonderful touch to the community,” he said. “This is a historic moment.”
The funding for the park came from a variety of sources and was completed in less than a year,” Harrington said.
The site not only marks history, but also is a part of history itself. He predicted that 100 years from now, residents will look back and be thankful to the citizens of today.
“We stand here today because others stood for us in defense of our liberty and freedom. We are honoring those who serve,” Harrington said.
He added that Woodbine’s commitment to defending America dates back almost to the founding of America itself. The town has more than 450 residents who fought, dating back to Jacob Yeisley in the War of 1812, he said.
The day was also an occasion to retire old American flags. When the fabric of a flag gets worn out, that flag retired in a solemn ceremony. Each flag is inspected to determine that it is no longer serviceable.
Then each flag is burned. There were 78 flags burned at the June 30 event.
Also at the event, Women for Veterans presented a quilt to veteran Bob Hammitt. The women created the quilt, and every stitch was a sign of thanks.
