'We shall never forget'

By Peggy Laizure

July 03, 2009 01:15 am

— GOLDSBY -- Last October, Goldsby veteran and resident Harold Harvell began talk about a veterans' memorial. He had no idea the talk would become a reality so soon or people would be so generous.
For several years he had talked about the need for recognition and appreciation of the veterans in this area. Harvell, along with his four brothers served in the Armed Forces in World War II and the Korean War, so he also had a personal interest in remembering the veterans.
He met Dale Graham and the Veterans Helping Veterans organization that meets every Thursday in the Goldsby Community Center. Graham liked the idea and together they presented the project to Mayor Cindy Scott. She gained the approval of the town board and also provided a building site for the memorial.
Almost immediately, local contractors volunteered their services and equipment. Nearby banks helped with the funding, electric companies provided consultancy and services, veterans and residents provided additional funding and labor support.
"I never ran into so many good people out here who wanted to help," Harvell said.
OEC donated the lights that surround the memorial and Bill Marcum, Marcum's Nursery, donated the shrubbery.
Bricks etched with veterans' names, branch of service and the years they served are lined up on the Walk of Honor. The oldest brick is for Major Pryor Adkins, a Civil War balloon pilot with the Union Army. His relative, LE Adkins fought in World War I. John C. Carter, Commander USN 68-88 has a brick next to Big Bird, RASC Vigilante F-14 Tomcat. They fought in the war together, and their bricks will lie together.
One hundred and ninety-one bricks are laid. A total of 300 have been ordered, Harvell said.
Flags of the Navy, Coast Guard, Marines, Air Force, Army and the POW-MIA flag are scattered about the walk. They encircle the stone that reads "This memorial is dedicated to the men and women who served in our armed services. We shall never forget."
A blue star framed by local veteran Chuck Norris lies in front of the granite stone.
Harvell said the memorial means a lot to him and other veterans.
A World War II veteran in his late 80s stopped by the memorial while Harvell was doing some maintenance work. The veteran asked Harvell if he would like to see his engraved brick. With pride, Harvell said, the vet pointed out his brick and said, "That is the only and lasting recognition that exists showing that I fought for freedom for this great country. This is the proudest thing that has ever happened to me and I will be back often."
With more than a little emotion showing, he departed with a "thanks," Harvell said.
"That conversation made all the work that myself and a lot of good people donated to build the Goldsby Veterans Memorial, all worth while," he said.
More than 400 people attended the old-fashioned patriotic dedication in May, Harvell said.
"Blue Grass '50s music, the Washington High School band, speeches and youngsters from age 4 to 10 formed a Parade of Honor to unveil the beautiful monument," Harvell said. The ceremony ended with a 21 gun salute by the American Legion Honor Guard from nearby Lindsay.
The 6-year-old great-grandson of one of the veterans said the Pledge of Allegiance. Eleven-year-old Jacob Moore played the bagpipes. His older brother Jonah played "Taps." They are the grandsons of Don Moore. The Disabled American Honor Guard presented a flag ceremony for all the services.
A flyover by two World War Era type aircraft, an Air Force P-51 fighter and a Navy A-1 bomber preceded the program.
Harvell said they are trying to raise money to buy a couple of benches so veterans can sit, reflect and talk about their service time. Bricks are still available for $30 and can be bought for any veteran who fought in a war or conflict. Harvell can be reached at 596-8755.
"It is a small town memorial we can really be proud of," Harvell said.
Peggy Laizure 366-3544 plaizure@normantranscript.com