By Richard Kerns
rkerns@newstribune.info
Tribune Staff Writer
FRANKLIN – Flags unfurled to a light fall breeze and a bright November sun warmed columned rows of engraved bricks as Taps echoed at the Franklin Veterans Memorial, where more than three dozen people gathered early Sunday afternoon for a ceremony honoring those who served in the armed forces, and died defending freedom.
Rev. William Shimer was the principal speaker at the event, which was sponsored by the Tri-Towns area Churches Uniting for Ministry. After detailing the history of the monument, which traces its origins to a metal plaque erected at the height of World War II, Shimer spoke of the importance of Veterans Day.
“This week is a very special holiday,” he said. “It's not Thanksgiving, even though it's a day to give thanks. It's not independence day, even though it is a day to celebrate our freedom...” he said. “It is a day in which we honor all the men and women who served in the military, and died for the cause of freedom.”
Most of those in attendance at the ceremony were senior citizens. No children were present to hear a message about Veterans Day, and the importance of remembering those who fought and died in winning the nation's freedom 233 years ago, and defending it in wars great and small ever since.
“We allow our children to watch violence on TV, but we don't tell them about the reality of war,” Shimer said. “We don't tell them of the hundreds of thousands down through the ages who have died for the cause of freedom.”
Recalling a quote from Sir J.M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan, that “God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December,” Shimer encouraged those at the ceremony to not just commemorate Veterans Day but celebrate it with a joyful spirit.
“We are happy because, thanks to the sacrifice of the men and women who served in the armed forces, you and I are free,” he said.
Citing last week's shooting at Fort Hood, Shimer noted that members of the armed forces are always at risk in the nation's service, even when they aren't in battle.
The ceremony, which lasted about 30 minutes, featured several area pastors who offered brief remarks and prayers before and after Shimer's address, including Rev. Harry Coleman, Rev. David Coleman and Rev. Sandy Cowan. Rev. Darnell Allen led the crowd in singing “God Bless America” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
The Franklin Memorial dates to August, 1944, when a metal plaque was dedicated long Old Route 36, since renamed Creekside Drive. That memorial only lasted until 1961, when it deteriorated to the point that it was removed. Six years ago, a group of veterans led by Sam Metz and Carl Arthur worked to build a new monument, securing land from the Maryland State Highway Administration just off Route 36 across from Creekside Drive. At 52 feet long and more than 6 feet tall, the memorial features the names of hundreds of area veterans inscribed on bricks. More than 200 bricks are available for additional inscriptions, with forms provided at the site.
Many of those in attendance Sunday have loved ones whose names are on the bricks, including McCoole resident Frances Patton-Smith, whose husband James Patton served in World War II.
“I come every year,” she said of the Veterans Day service. “It wouldn't be Veterans Day if I didn't. I will be over in Keyser on Wednesday, too. It means a lot to me.”
Rawlings resident Danny Willis noted his father, uncles and in-laws who served in World War II. “We just like to show up in the spirit of those who gave their lives to protect our freedom,” he said.
Westernport resident Allen Trenum said he attended the original dedication of the Franklin Memorial in 1944, when he was 15. He remembers driving his brother Bertrum to the train station in Piedmont, when he went off to war.
“This monument shows the people's patriotism and the respect they have for service people,” he said.
Also in attendance were Councilmen Pete Davis of Westernport – whose father and three uncles are memorialized on the monument – and Tom Clayton of Luke.
Members of the Allegany County Fire Police provided traffic control.