by Tim Cormany

CARRSVILLE
It was standing room only at the Sgt. Jayton D. Patterson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4411 on Memorial Day as the Post and the community gathered to remember those who gave their lives in defense of our country. As guests entered the building they could record the names of their lost veteran friends and loved ones in the Post Book of Remembrance, filling over two pages of the book.

After the guests were welcomed by Post Junior Vice Command Ronald Richards, Troop 17 of the Franklin Boy Scouts of America provided the presentation of the Colors followed by the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, and opening prayer by Post Chaplain Tim Cormany.

Junior Vice Commander Richards welcomed all guests including Frank and Sharon Patterson, parents of Sgt. Jayton D. Patterson USMC, who lost his life in the service of his country. Mayor-elect and guest speaker Frank Rabil and his wife, Lynn, were also introduced.

The program included the legend of the VFW Buddy Poppy and the poem “In Flanders Fields,” read by Cheyanne Fridley, daughter of Retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Tanya Fridley and Senior Chief Petty Officer Shane Fridley. Shane is currently at sea. Kendal Blythe of BSA Troop 17 and grandson of Army veteran Thomas Harmon, charter member and former Commander of Post 4411, spoke on why we should remember those who gave their all for our country.

Kevin Meyers, 2014-2015 Post commander, spoke and read a letter from the current Commander Scott Seddon, who couldn’t attend the meeting.

Chaplain [Timothy] Cormany spoke of the loss of his mentor and friend, USAF Captain James B. White. Then 2nd Lt. Cormany was a maintenance officer in Southeast Asia and Captain White was an F-105 Thunderchief pilot. Chaplain Cormany remembered the day that Captain White’s plane never returned. He emotionally expressed the difficulty of remembering and talking about the personal feeling of loss. He then introduced the audience to the “empty chair and table” dedicated to all those who could not come back … who could only be there in the hearts of those present.

Mayor-elect Frank Rabil also lost a lifelong friend who served and died in Vietnam. He spoke of the tragic the loss of friends and loved ones in war and how we all have been touched by such losses. He also urged us not to let their sacrifices go to waste and to strive to be a positive and united community as we remembered their ultimate sacrifices.

It had been raining all day. At that time the rain had stopped and all met outside of the building where Troop 17 retired several warn and old American flags. Has the Troop Honor Guard approached the fire, the names of those listed in the Book of Remembrance were read. At the end of the ceremony, Scout Robert Robertson, son of Dr. Glenn and Deanie Robertson, sounded the taps. Chaplain Cormany gave the benediction and blessing on the food.

A wonder meal of hamburgers, hot dogs, sides and desserts prepared by the Post and Auxiliary members was served to all.