Honoring those who served
Published 2:21 pm Thursday, June 13, 2019
BETTY J. RAMSEY | HERALD Farmville Town Manager Gerald Spates addresses the audience.
BETTY J. RAMSEY | HERALD Featured speaker Major General Kenneth Bowra, U.S. Army Retired.
BETTY J. RAMSEY | HERALD WWII veterans Willie Reid, Cecil Yates and Joseph K. Baldwin were honored guests at the tribute Saturday. Baldwin, who retired from the U.S. Navy in 1974, served during WWII along with the Korean and Vietnam wars.
BETTY J. RAMSEY | HERALD Attendees salute in honor as Ed Dunn, U.S. Navy (Ret.), American Legion Post 32, called for the Honor Guard, American Legion Post 260, to post the colors.
BETTY J. RAMSEY | HERALD Tom Crouse, who served with the U.S. Navy Seebees from 1974-78, gets a hug from Chere Hill aka “Rosie the Riveter.”
In spite of a steady drizzle Saturday a large crowd assembled to honor and pay respect to those who have served our county at a Tribute to Veterans of the 20th century and Commemoration of the 75th anniversary of D-Day held at the Fireman’s Sports Arena in Farmville.
More photos of the event can be viewed here.
According to organizers the Tribute honored all veterans but held a special emphasis for those who served during World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War.
Hosted by the Piedmont Area Veterans Council (PAVC), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7059 and American Legion Post 32 the event was well-supported by area groups and businesses. Music was provided by the Heart of Virginia Community Band and the St. John’s Lutheran Church Choir.
Color and honor guards included American Legion Post 260 along with area police, sheriff and fire department representatives, and boy and girl scout troops. Motorcycle groups The American Legion and VFW Riders along with the Buffalo Soldiers also came out in support of those who have served. Vintage military equipment, including a jeep and antique cars were on display and a lunch was provided Bojangles and Merk’s Place of Farmville.
Guest speaker, Farmville Town Manager and U.S. Army veteran Gerald Spates noted it was a great event honoring all the veterans of our area. He went on to say that he really appreciates all that PAVC, the American Legion and VFW do for the community.
