Pam Dudding-Burch
Contributing writer
With the possibilities of more war facing our nation, it seems only right to honor the men and women who are serving and have served our country.
On Sunday, November 12, the Seventh Annual Veterans and Active Military Honor Dinner is scheduled at the local VFW Post #4491 on the road behind Camp Mitchell. The doors will open at 12:15 p.m. and things are scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.
There will be a full course meal served, including roast beef, green beans, potatoes, ‘angel’ eggs, slaw and rolls. Then the smorgasbord of homemade desserts of banana pudding, chocolate and coconut cakes, fruit pies and whatever else the famous dessert lady, Diane Givens, bakes up will finish the meal.
Paul Beaudoin, a retired husband from the Navy, gave his rendition of thoughts one year, which echoed the hearts of many military men for their wives. “Your children grow so much each time you are returning from sea; you realize how much you are missing all the ‘firsts’ of their lives. Knowing my wife would give her all in caring for them, made it worth the sacrifices,” he said.
Paul continued as he connected with many hearts in saying that his wife never complained and always stood strong. Yet, when he was waving from the ship, he could see the many tears streaming down her face, knowing, she was the ‘soldier’ on land.
The message seems to ring as loud as a siren but as tender as a baby lullaby, “We in Craig County stand tall as U. S. Citizens, as Americans, as people who honor our Constitution, our nation and our men and women who were in our branches of Military.”
And, now, Craig has the same opportunity to honor all of those who have fought, died and now those who currently serve, whether statewide, overseas or in the Reserves.
For six years, the community in Craig County has come together to honor all of the Active Military and Veterans with a special Honor dinner event, organized by volunteers through J.C.’s Depot ministry.
Between 125 to 150 men and women have been served a home-cooked dinner and entertained by singers and special speakers as well as gifted with small tokens of appreciation and many nice door prizes since 2011.
“There is nothing more you can give us than your smile and hugs,” stated one Veteran. Sadly, in years past, too many of our Military were shamefully dishonored when they returned from war.
One statement that has been made over and over by many Veterans and Military personnel reads; “Craig County is different than other places as they did not judge us – they loved us and accepted us with open arms,” one Veteran shared. It seemed that Craig County actually ‘treasured’ the presence of their Military men and women.
An unknown author wrote, “Unselfishly, you left your fathers and your mothers, you left behind your sisters and your brothers. Leaving your beloved children and wives, you put on hold, your dreams – your lives. On foreign soil, you found yourself planted, to fight for those whose freedom you granted. Without your sacrifice, their cause would be lost, but you carried onward….no matter the cost!”
Anyone who has served in the military or is currently serving, please accept the invitation to the 2017 Honor dinner.
Advanced reservations are needed by Monday, November 6, so there will be plenty of food and seating available. “You and your family are warmly invited!” the M.A.P. Team said. Please call with the names of all your family that will be attending.
Contact Betty Dudding (540) 309-6053 or email: bdudding@tds.net or Pam Dudding-Burch (540) 312-9678 or email: ncrpamdudding@yahoo.com to register or to learn more information.
“We hope to pack the building again this year!” one team member shared. “We love to have to make Diane Givens bake those scrumptious homemade desserts!” another Veteran giggled. “Especially the chocolate ones!”
