Every year, on the last Monday in May, Americans pause to reflect on those brave men and women who risked life and limb in the face of grave danger. We remember those who left the comforts of home to fight for us and our freedom…. but never returned …. to trade the title of Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Coast Guardsman, or Marine for the title - Veteran. That’s the key element that separates Memorial Day from Veterans Day.
Those who have given their lives in service to this nation
are, indisputably…….HEROES. When their country called, they answered. Some
volunteered and some were “volun-told”. Regardless of how they entered military
service, the families of all American heroes who have been killed in action or
died from wounds and illnesses which resulted from active duty, and those who
remain missing in action, are members of a club that no one asks to join. While
service members and their families understand and accept the risks they take to
serve our great nation, nothing can fully prepare a KIA/MIA family for that
knock on the door.
With that in mind, Lake Murray VFW Post 6740 is hosting a
unique ceremony on Memorial Day, May 27, 2019 that will recognize and honor 176
soldiers from all over Lexington County who have given their lives on foreign
soil since WORLD WAR I. And, the
spotlight of the event will be focused on three local heroes from Leesville who
died in action in Vietnam just over 50 years ago. They are:
PFC Derrick and PFC Oxner both attended Batesburg-Leesville
High School prior to their deployment. SP4 Oliver lived in the School District
One area of Leesville and attended Gilbert High School.
Each of these men will receive special recognition as a
“True Patriot Hero” of the Batesburg-Leesville/Gilbert/Lake Murray
community……………honor that is long overdue for their sacrifices defending our
freedom over 50 years ago in the jungles of Vietnam.
Additionally, 173 other native sons of Lexington County will
be recognized and honored as follows:
The live ceremony will be held on site at Lake
Murray VFW Post 6740, 950 Rock N Creek Road, Leesville SC on Memorial Day
morning, May 27th beginning at 10:00 AM. It will include special
music and presentations to the families of the three local heroes.
Courtesy of Celebrate Freedom Foundation of
West Columbia, a special appearance is expected from “Maggie” – a fully
restored AG-1 Cobra attack helicopter that has flown numerous missions with the
Marines over both Desert Storm and Grenada.
The public is cordially invited and encouraged
to attend this very special Memorial Day ceremony. A light complimentary
breakfast will be served at the conclusion of the event.
Every year, on the last Monday in May, Americans pause to reflect on those brave men and women who risked life and limb in the face of grave danger. We remember those who left the comforts of home to fight for us and our freedom…. but never returned …. toContinue Reading
Overview I hope everyone had a great spring break and Easter weekend. With two weeks left of session and the crossover deadline behind us, we have a busy few weeks ahead as we begin to take up bills from the Senate. Heartbeat Bill Passes The Heartbeat Bill, H. 3020, passedContinue Reading
The third time was the charm for the Chapin High School girls’ lacrosse team who won the state lacrosse championship on April 27. The Eagles took down Fort Mill, 9-6, to win the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) Class 5A championship Saturday at Irmo High School. This year wasContinue Reading
Students from the Electrical Technologies class from the Center for Advanced Technical Studies (The Center) did a field study at Portrait Hill Subdivision in Chapin March 6. In conjunction with APEX Electric and Mungo Homes, students from the electrical class were able to apply what they have learned in class toContinue Reading
FASTSIGNS® of Columbia – Harbison Blvd, a local sign and visual graphics provider, was recognized as a top performing center at the 2019 FASTSIGNS Convention held in Orlando, Florida. Owned by Gerry Brossard, FASTSIGNS of Columbia – Harbison Blvd received the Pinnacle Club Award, which is given to centers rankedContinue Reading
Letter to the Editor: Don Carlson I feel like I’m on a somewhat literary vacation. How You Ask! In the last weeks Lake Murray News Ms. Miriam Johnson, PhD, MSW, MS and presumably BS, gave us a litany of reasons as to why she did or did not hate PresidentContinue Reading
A boating safety class will be held on Saturday, March 16 from 8:30am – 4:30pm at ECPI University, Suite 300, 250 Berryhill Road in Columbia, SC. The course, About Boating Safely, taught by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, is certified by South Carolina DNR. Students who pass the course willContinue Reading
Ivanka Trump has endorsed Nikki Haley’s daughter Rena, a candidate for Clemson student body vice president. “Hi, Clemson fans, it’s Ivanka Trump. I am so proud of what each and every one of you are doing. Don’t forget to reach for new heights by voting for Huskey Haley,” the U.S.Continue Reading
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This week was another busy week in Columbia. Progress was made on the comprehensive education reform bill and this year’s budget was successfully passed out of the Ways and Means Committee. The 2019-2020 budget is built on the foundation of protecting taxpayers, a renewed commitment to being resourceful and efficient,Continue Reading
By Steve Bell, Lake Watch columnist Every fall and winter, thousands of lake residents use Lake Murray’sshoreline to dispose of leaves and other yard debris. Most choose to burn orbag, but some simply wait for the water to rise (oops) so wind and waveswill wash their “problems” away. Those whoContinue Reading