If you enjoy freedom, thank a Veteran

It is a matter of historical record that the commanding officer of the American forces, General Rupertus, told his troops, “Men, this is going to be a hot fight but it will be brief. Just three days, maybe only two.” He was right in that it would be hot but he could not have been more wrong as to the length of the battle. The determined resistance of the 10,500 Japanese defenders made certain the fight would indeed be hot and that it would be anything but brief. It took 76 days of vicious fighting before the island was finally secured. In the end all but 28 of the Japanese were dead and 10,800 American Marines, Army soldiers, and Navy personnel were either killed or wounded.
Camden County, GEORGIA, Saturday September 15, 2012

As a more detailed description of the battle for Peleliu Island was read to the gathering of some 50 people at this memorial service on the 68th anniversary of the battle, the gathered gave their complete attention. Many of them had never heard of Peleliu and could scarce believe the literal hell on earth it truly was during this battle. Of those present who know Mr. Wiliamson, they never knew before this day what a true hero lives quietly among them for he has never before spoken of the horror he and his buddies endured for our freedom.

After the description of the battle, the Color Guard from Coffee County High School ROTC presented the colors. At this, I asked the crowd to stand and we offered one full minute of silence in reverence for those who did not return but who gave that last full measure of devotion to duty. This was very moving to me in that for a full minute not a sound was heard anywhere, not a stirring of breeze, nothing but complete silence. The Pledge of Allegiance followed.

Now it was time for the Coffee County NJROTC Drill Team to perform and they did a splendid job. I was proud of their spit and polish appearance and superb job they did in their performance. CWO3 Deborah Woods, USMC (Ret.) is to be commended for the job she is doing with these young Americans.

The veterans who were there were recognized by rank with PFC. Tommy Williamson, our honoree, commended for his devotion to duty and the magnificent courage displayed by him, his fellow Marines, U.S. Army soldiers, and U.S. Navy personnel during the Battle of Peleliu.

Lt.Col. Arnold Parsons (Ret.) presented Mr. Williamson with a Marine flag and display pole.

We closed the ceremony with prayer.

A fine barbequed chicken lunch with all the trimmings was then served.

Several Coffee County veterans were in attendance; Lt.Col. Arnold Parsons (Ret.), Sargent Rudolph Barrington, USMC, Iwo Jima, (in uniform), Sheriff Jerry Pope, US Army, Vietnam.

Mr. Williamson thanked us for organizing this event saying, “No one ever did anything like this for me before.”

I only wish he could know how proud we were to be small parts of this ceremony. All involved felt honored for being allowed to participate in honoring this gentle man who never talks about the war and the horror he has seen, but whom we now know is a true American hero.

I wish to thank all those who worked so hard to make this event happen; Charles Carter, Butch Carter, W.W. Webb, Jack Prescott, Lt.Col. Arnold Parsons (Ret.) without whom I could never have gotten it all together, and a special thanks to Gary Broyles and Powell’s Drug Store for their generous donations to help pay for everything.

If you enjoy freedom, thank a VETERAN!