Remembering those who served

By Carrie A. Mizell

With grateful hearts, citizens of Gilchrist County gathered at the Memorial Courtyard on Monday to take part in a Memorial Day Remembrance program sponsored by the Gilchrist County Historical Society and the Veterans Service Office.
After a welcome by Jim Mash, veterans service officer for Gilchrist County, Jose Cintron of American Legion Post 91 prayed just before members of the Bell High School JROTC marched in and presented the nation’s colors.
As the flags waved in the gentle breeze, Joy Salyers sang the National Anthem.
Clement Lindsey of the Sons of Confederate Veterans Post 770 then led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Gilchrist County Veterans Leeman White, left, and Ted Henley led the group of servicemen
in placing the wreaths at the foot of each of the monuments.

Charlotte Pedersen, president of the Gilchrist County Historical Society, thanked everyone for coming to the Memorial Day service and reminded all that the Historical Society is now collecting funds for a World War I monument.
Acting as master of ceremonies for the program, Jim Mash then read a statement by Florida Governor Rick Scott acknowledging May 30, 2011 as the nation’s 144th Memorial Day. The veterans service officer later introduced the day’s keynote speaker, Army recruiting officer Lt. Col. Bob Quint, who gave a poignant address with a central theme, “Freedom Is Not Free.”
Quint pointed out that Monday marked the ninth straight Memorial Day the United States has been at war, before recognizing veterans in the crowd who had served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Lt. Col. Bob Quint gave the keynote address and
reminded the audience that freedom is not free.

During his 29 years spent in the Army, Quint said that he has personally fought in two wars overseas. One of his two sons is currently serving in Afghanistan, and in 10 months, Quint himself will return to combat.
“Regardless of where you stand on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, whether you think we should pull out or stay, there is no denying the bravery of our men and women who have fought at great costs to themselves,” Quint said.
The death toll in Iraq stands at 4,442 American lives, compared to 1,571 American deaths in Afghanistan, Quint pointed out. He also said that in June 2010, the war in Afghanistan surpassed the Vietnam War as the longest war this nation has ever fought. The face of the war changed significantly on May 1, 2011 when Osama Bin Laden was killed, Quint said.
“We are now on our 11th continuing year of war and the costs in dollars and in lives is just too high,” Quint said. “Sixty percent of the American public believe that the war in Afghanistan is no longer necessary.”
While the speaker was obviously in favor of pulling out of the war in the Middle East, he said that the military, of which he is a member, should be cautious about leaving combat too quickly. Quint was referring to President Barack Obama’s plans to begin troop withdrawals in July.
“I would rather fight our enemy in the Kunar Providence, which is in northern Afghanistan than on the streets of Dallas, which is my hometown, or the streets of Trenton,” Quint said.
Quint closed his address with a reminder that because of the sacrifices of the American military, many of whom have fought and died over the course of the nation’s history the citizens of Gilchrist County are able to gather peacefully on the courthouse square.
Wreaths were then placed on each monument at Memorial Courtyard, and a new monument dedicated to the late J.M. “Murph” Everett was unveiled. With a final playing of “Amazing Grace” and “Taps” the Memorial Day Remembrance concluded as Pete Randolph said a closing prayer. All veterans and their families were invited to the Trenton Community Center for a special luncheon held each year in their honor.