VIETNAM VETERAN RECOGNIZED — Pete Myers, a World War II veteran, presented the American flag that was raised during the Saturday Memorial Service at the War Memorial in Halifax to Ron Meadows, a Vietnam veteran and recipient of the Silver Star award. (SOMcL photo)

AT HALIFAX MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE — Members of American Legion Post 8 presented the gun salute during closing moments of Saturday’s Day of Remembrance Service held at the War Memorial in Halifax. (SOMcL photo)

“What will you tell your children about this stone?”was the theme of Saturday’s Memorial Day message from Rev. Frank Carr, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church. You should tell them, Carr said, “that this is a stone of remembrance for those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.” During the short service which attracted only a small crowd, prayers were offered by local ministers, Raymond Wooten of Black Walnut Baptist Church, Michael Parnell of Beth Car Baptist and Samuel Leigh of Crystal Hill Baptist for deceased veterans, for veterans and their families and for our national leaders and active duty soldiers.
Visitors to the service were welcomed by South Boston Mayor Carroll Thackston, who represented local government entities and who is a retired Adjutant General of the Virginia National Guard. Thackston reminded members of the audience of the 3375 military members who have lost their lives in the Iraq conflict, “with that number increasing daily,” and asked that they be remembered daily in prayers for their safety. With the Saturday service focusing on Vietnam veterans, the Tri-River Vietnam Veterans Association laid the colorful wreath at the base of the monument and World War II veteran Pete Myers presented the American flag that was raised during the ceremony to Ron Meadows, a local Vietnam veteran and recipient of the Silver Star award.
Thelma Edmonds, mother of Calvin Edmonds, who was killed in Vietnam was recognized during the service. Halifax County, according to one speaker, has some 3,500 members of its veterans association.  Another memorial service at the War Memorial is planned for this morning at 11 a.m.