On November 11, 2011, at 11:00 am, a group assembled at the Fort Caswell Rifle Range in Caswell Beach, NC, alongside the National WWI Centennial Memorial to honor veterans.
Norma Eckard, president of Friends of Fort Caswell Rifle Range, spoke to those assembled.
Martha Koletar, Regent of Brunswick Town Chapter of NSDAR, read The Story of Taps.
Richard Slease performed “Taps.”
Richard organized his first Taps Across America tribute at the rifle range last year, when the pandemic prevented many commemorations.
Carl Mauney, WWI reenactor who has attended many of the rifle range commemorations, presented WWI gear in his full World War I reproduction woolen uniform. Carl is always a welcome addition to our events.
DAR chaplain Judy Holden offered this prayer.
O God, our help in ages past our hope for years to come. We praise You for Your Presence with us today and with those who serve our country.
We give special thanks for the 718 men and woman who served in World War I from Brunswick County and American heroes who from our beginning as a nation have paid the supreme sacrifice.
Comfort and protect those who struggle from their experiences and be with the men and women in hospitals. May they know they are not forgotten.
Let us remember the sacrifices of their time away from loved ones and their pride in what they were doing for our country.
As we gather today, may we not take our freedoms lightly, including even this right to gather as a group and the privilege to pray together.
Go with us, Lord, in our separate ways, give us grateful hearts for our wonderful heritage. Help us to realize our responsibilities to keep the fires of patriotism glowing brightly.
Lord God
Be with us yet
Lest we forget
Amen
Thanks to Teresa McLamb for some of the photos posted above.
You can see more photos of the event in the November 17th issue of the State Port Pilot, shown here.
You must be logged in to post a comment.