Abingdon Organizes Annual Memorial Day Ceremony

The town of Abingdon, Virginia, witnessed the community coming together on Monday at the Veterans Memorial Park to pay homage to those U.S. Armed Forces members who have valiantly served and sacrificed for the nation.

“Memorial Day is our way of honoring those military members who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. These heroes gave their lives to secure the freedoms we enjoy here today. The freedoms we take for granted day after day,” stated U.S. Air Force Col. Jon L. Bradley III, who performed the duties of the master of ceremonies for this year’s event.

Recalling Historic Battles and Honoring Fallen Heroes

At the Memorial Day ceremony, David Doan, a Revolutionary War re-enactor and the pioneer of the Overmountain Victory Trail Association, spoke about the Battle of Point Pleasant, which took place almost 250 years ago. He narrated the tale of Samuel Vance Jr., who participated in the fight against the Indians as a part of the Virginia Militia in 1780.

Retired U.S. Navy Officer Joe Straten enchanted the audience with his heartfelt reminiscences about his 20-year friendship with the late Max Hugo Hermann, a U.S. Air Force veteran, and the previous owner of The Tavern in Abingdon, Va., who sadly passed away on April 30. “Max came to this country as a 19-year-old young man from Germany in 1970. In 1973, he joined the U.S. Air Force,” Straten stated.

Tree Dedications at Abingdon Veterans Memorial Park

The Veterans Memorial Park Foundation of Abingdon, in conjunction with the families of veterans, dedicated six new trees during the ceremony. The dedication began with a Prairie Expedition American Elm, commemorating the memory of Cameron Craig, a 20-year-old Abingdon, Va. Fire Department firefighter who passed away in the line of duty last year.

Among other notable dedications a Mirlo Red Bud Tree was planted in the memory of U.S. Army Lt. Col. Bill Rhea Starnes, and a Texas White Red Bud tree was placed to remember the service of U.S. Air Force Airman Second Class Riley Clark.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jeffrey George Edwards and Lt. William Windsor Woodard, the latter present at the ceremony, were honored with a Southern Red oak tree and an Osage orange tree, respectively. Moreover, a majestic Sugar Maple tree was dedicated in honor of U.S. Army Maj. Samuel Hughes Melton.

The town of Abingdon continues to uphold the tradition of commemorating those who served and sacrificed for our nation. This annual Memorial Day ceremony stands as a testament to their appreciation and respect for these brave individuals. As these trees continue to grow in Veterans Memorial Park, they will serve as a living tribute to our American armed forces’ enduring legacy.