Town of Marshall Honors Local Veterans on Memorial Day as ‘Witnesses’ of Heroism
While the rain forced the town of Marshall to switch up its tradition and move the yearly Memorial Day observance inside the Madison County Courthouse, the town still ensured its message of gratitude and reverence was on display for all.
The town made the decision to move the observance inside the Madison County Courthouse in anticipation of the rain. American Legion Post 317 Finance Officer Rich Cox was one of the first speakers in the ceremony.
Acknowledging Heroism
“We are also witnesses,” Cox said. “Veterans have seen heroism in its very purest form. Veterans served alongside the very men and women that we remember today.”
Cox shared the story of Lou Conter, an American naval officer who was the last survivor of the U.S.S. Arizona, which came under fire in the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941. Conter passed away in April at the age of 102.
“During Pearl Harbor observances in 2020, Lou said to the American Legion, ‘We’re not the heroes. The 1,177 men who went down with the ship are the heroes. You have to remember we got to go home – get married, have children, grandchildren. We’ve lived a good life. Those who didn’t get to go do that should be called the heroes,'” Cox recounted.
“Lou’s larger point must also be remembered: We’re able to raise families, continue careers and live good lives because of the sacrifices made by young men and women who never came home. We must always remember that. May they all rest in peace.”
Honoring the Fallen
Cox then listed the more than 40 Madison County veterans who died in the last year, acknowledging them as “witnesses” to heroism.
“We are all witnesses,” Cox said. “Thank you for being here. God bless America.”
Remembering the Sacrifice
As is custom, Marshall Town Board member Christiaan Ramsey sang a moving rendition of “God Bless the U.S.A.” Rev. Dusty Black of Marshall First Baptist Church thanked attendees and expressed gratitude in prayer for “the mindfulness of the Marshall community together” to remember the fallen soldiers.
“Lord, we thank you for those who have given their all to preserve and protect these freedoms and this way of life,” Black said. “But God, as we come with these thankful hearts, we also come with petition. Lord, we pray for the safety of those who continue to serve daily in different capacities around the world to keep us safe.”
Community Support
Longtime Madison County Register of Deeds Mary Jane Wallin, the wife of former Marshall Mayor Jack Wallin, a Navy Veteran, and Zuma Coffee provided refreshments for the ceremony.
A Solemn Tribute
In keeping with tradition, Bruce Stefanik of the North Carolina Submarine Veterans, or NC Sub Vets, performed the universal taps trumpet song near the end of the ceremony, standing on a ledge in the second-floor courthouse and raining the proud music down onto the town below.
Stefanik, a chaplain with the NC Sub Vets’ U.S.S. Asheville base, praised Marshall’s commitment to honoring veterans.
“Marshall does really well for a town its size,” Stefanik said. “A lot of small towns wouldn’t take the time. But Marshall believes in the cause.”
