Hundreds gather for Memorial Day

By Carrie A. Mizell

Several hundred people gathered at the Memorial Park next to the courthouse in Trenton on Monday to attend the annual Memorial Day Program. Dan Taylor was the Master of Ceremonies for the event. Kevin Randolph sang the National Anthem and the Bell JROTC made the Presentation of Colors.
Taylor reminded those gathered that, “Standing by our Constitution is a way of honoring our fallen heroes.” He went on to recognize all the veterans who attended the event by the war they fought in. The list of speakers included J.M “Murph” Everett who recognized those who helped organize the event and the people who contributed to it.
State Representative Debbie Boyd brought the news that County Road 313 will be named Sgt. Ricky Lord Way. Sgt. Lord was a Gilchrist County native who was killed on August 18, 2004 while serving his country. Rep. Boyd went on to report that Highway 26 from the Gilchrist County line to Fanning Springs would be named Veteran’s Memorial Highway.

Members of the Bell High School JROTC Color Guard presented the flags.

Harold Mikell of Congressman Allen Boyd’s Office was also on hand to speak at the event. He spoke of the 12 names on the WWII monument at the park. Mikell said back then the county only had a population of about 3,000 people and believe it or not everyone knew each other and almost everyone knew all 12 of the men, or knew at least part of them. He also reminded everyone that some 400,000 Americans were killed during World War II.
The keynote address was given by Major Stroupe, who is the Gilchrist County Veterans Service Officer. Stroupe said, “On this Memorial Day one of our nation’s most revered holidays, we pause to reflect upon the principles that have made our nation great. We pause to remember the true cost of freedom and to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect it. The brave men and women we honor today selflessly gave of themselves to defend a way of life that we so cherish: the rights of all people to determine our futures, free from oppression and fear.” He went on to say, “Freedom is not a gift; it was paid for by the blood of our heroes. From the Revolutionary War to the War on Terrorism, the sacrifices and caliber of America’s fighting men and women have been nothing short of inspirational.”

Major Stroupe, Gilchrist County Veterans Service Officer, explained in his message,
“Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance.”

Harold Pope was recognized for his 22 years of service. Pope served in three war time eras, first WWII, then the Korean and last the Vietnam War.
Stroupe went on to recognize another Navy veteran; “I have been working with this veteran since last fall, Mr. John Henry Aderholt.” He said that Aderholt was a native of Florida who was born in Branford but now lives in Bell. He entered the Navy in September of 1942 at the age of 19 and transferred to the Fleet Reserve in May of 1968 with almost 26 years of active duty. According to Stroupe, Aderholt served the majority of his service in the Pacific theater covering the WWII, Korean and Vietnam War eras. His duty was mainly as an aviation mechanical crewman, which required him to be aboard his aircraft whenever and wherever it was deployed. Aderholt has been awarded many awards and decorations including the Good Conduct Medal 7th award, National Defense Service Medal 2nd award, American Campaign medal, China Service medal, Korean service medal, United Nations Service Medal, WWII Victory Medal, the Air Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal.

Clarence Patterson is shown after placing the wreath at the
Confederate War Memorial monument on Memorial Day.

According to Stroupe, Aderholt was so dedicated to his wife’s health needs that he ignored some very critical warning signs of his own and now he has a terminal illness. Stroupe said, “John has no regrets about his fate and simply says he did what he had to do. That is the kind of person Mr. Aderholt is and he exemplifies the honorable service he performed.” Stroupe went on to say, “We salute and honor you for your devotion to your family and nation. May God be with you the rest of your days.”
The program ended with the Wreath Laying Ceremony led by Ted Henley. The crowd was silent as the wreaths were laid on the veterans’ monuments at the Gilchrist County Veterans Memorial Park.