Fallen soldiers, and those wounded honored at Memorial Day service
By Carrie A. Mizell
Memorial Day means more than barbecue and beer to Pete Herrick.
A Navy Reservist, Herrick was critically injured in 2004 during a devastating mortar attack in Iraq that killed five and wounded 32 others in his unit.
“I joined the Navy Reserves when I was 34, before that I was a self-employed carpenter,” Herrick said. “To me Memorial Day just meant an extra day to work and catch up on a job.”
Pete Herrick, a Navy reservist who suffered serious injuries while serving in Iraq, speaks to Gilchrist County citizens on Monday at the Memorial Day service.
While sitting in a wheelchair and grasping his wife Diana’s hand, Herrick told a large group of Gilchrist County citizens at a Memorial Day Service on Monday that he joined the Navy Reserves just six weeks before the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.
“It was my first mid-life crisis,” Herrick said with a smile.
Despite the severe injuries Herrick incurred during the May 2, 2004 attack on his unit, NMCB14, Herrick told the citizens of Gilchrist County in attendance, that he truly believes that every citizen has an inherent desire within them for freedom and liberty.
“The second best decision I’ve made in my life was joining the military,” Herrick said.
The first, being proposing to his high school sweetheart, Diana Wilder, to whom he has been married for over 22 years. Together the Herricks have two children and live in Ft. White.
“I would just like to thank everyone who came here today for remembering all the people who have served,” Herrick said.
Not only is Herrick a Purple Heart recipient, but he was also awarded a Navy Achievement Medal with a “V” for valor in combat. He has also received the Rear Admiral Lewis B. Combs Award for his continued support and service to the Operation Iraq Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom war veterans.
Also honored at Monday’s Memorial Day Service were the four local servicemen who have died since 2003 while fighting for the United States in Iraq. Those men are: Christopher Rivera, Ricky Lord, Brian Buesing and Brandon Thorenson.
Dan Taylor, master of ceremonies, recognized Evan McQuiston for his service to the United States. Like Herrick, McQuiston also suffered injuries while on a tour of duty in Iraq. The Trenton native was unable to attend Monday’s service due to physical therapy he is undergoing in Georgia. Therefore, Taylor presented a plaque to Evan’s two sisters and told them he hopes McQuiston will be able to attend next year’s Memorial Day Service.
Other highlights of the Gilchrist County Historical Society’s 10th Annual Service included a presentation of colors by the Bell High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), singing of the National Anthem performed by Joy Salyers, and a wreath laying ceremony led by Veteran Ted Henley. The crowd stood awestruck as J.D. Perryman played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes, just before a cannon was fired and “Taps” was played by the Bell High School JROTC to close out the ceremony.
Pete Randolph said a prayer shortly before veterans and their families enjoyed a barbecue lunch at the Trenton Community Center, courtesy of the Gilchrist County Historical Society.
J.D. Perryman played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes.
Charlie Combs, a surviving POW, attended the Memorial Day program.
Harold Mikell is shown after he placed the wreath at the World War II monument.
J. M. “Murph” Everett is shown after placing the wreath at the Korean War monument.
Clearance Patterson is shown after he placed the wreath at the Confederate War monument.
