LTC Jon Drushal

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With patriotic music being provided by members of the Radford High School band, two ladies were passing out miniature flags to the crowd, as they gathered.

An invocation by Dr. Paul Lane of the First Baptist Church of Radford started the ceremonies off. The Vietnam Veterans then Posted the Colors, as Gary Jackson, LTC, US Army, Retired, played “To The Colors. "Eddie Jackson then sung the National Anthem.

“Freedom is not free,” said Radford City Mayor Thomas Starnes, as he spoke briefly to the crowd.

Delegate Dave Nutter then introduced the keynote speaker, LTC Jon Drushal, Commander of the Radford Army Ammunition Plant.

“Our national flag flies at half-staff today to express our profound gratitude for the acts of brave patriots who gave the full measure so that we might live free,” Drushal said. “But, we must wonder, is that enough? In our hearts we know that we cannot fully discharge our solemn obligation to these men and women with mere words or gestures. They did not die for words or wreaths; they died supporting a free nation and supporting friends to their left and right.”

There was a also a special re-dedication of the Veteran’s Memorial Garden. Recently, some unknown person(s) had taken the four-planted trees at the garden. With the new trees now in place, the crowd was invited to visit the Memorial Garden, which is located in the park.

US Navy Retired Dana Jackson of the American Legion Post 30 Honored the War Dead, as he read a list of Radford residents who had died in the previous wars.

The ceremony closed with the Radford High School Band playing “Amazing Grace, “ followed by a 21-Gun Salute from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 776, and “Taps” being played by Gary Jackson.

“This was a very well-done tribute,” said first-time visitor Ralph Roe of Floyd. “Since there was no Memorial Day events being held in Floyd, we came to this one. I have noticed that more and more communities are doing less for honoring our military. I’m glad that Radford is continuing this tradition and I was really impressed that the band students gave up their morning to be here.”

Click here to see more photos from today’s event in our photo gallery.

Photo: (Top left) LTC Jon Drushal, Commander of the Radford Army Ammunition Plant gave the keynote speech during the Ninth Annual Radford Memorial Day Ceremony held Monday at Bisset Park. (Photo by David Grimes)

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