It is true that the City of Andalusia shows its patriotism all the time however this time of year is particularly significant as Veterans Day approaches. The first of a series of events took place on this Sunday, on the day that Covington Veterans Foundation presented its annual “Celebration of Heroes” in the Andalusia High School auditorium.
The event offered a wide range of entertainment as well as a ceremony to honor the veterans who attended. This year’s celebration paid particular tribute to those who fought during that war. Korean War.
The guest speaker at the evening featured Chief Warrant officer Five Mike Carsaro who currently is an Advisor of Senior Warrants to the Commander General for the 4th Infantry Division.
“We have a lot of respect to our veterans. Today we ask that special attention be paid to those who fought in the early 1950s. It was the Korean War, often called the Forgotten War because it is obscured by World War II. It is true that we will never forget our veterans and the way you have fought for democracy, freedom and our American way of life.” Carsaro said.
The Korean War was fought between 1950 and 1953. It ended with an armistice, not an agreement to end the war.
“Korean War veterans” along with around 1.8 million Americans quit the comforts of their family members, acquaintances, and homes to fight an enemy half distance away. My uncle and father were among those who left. It was an era of fighting under the most difficult conditions, with many veterans having to contend with frigid temperatures in winter months and sweltering temperatures and humidity in the summer months,” he wrote.
Carsaro was later able to share the tale about Alabamian Ola Lee Mize who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Korean War, primarily in defense of “Outpost Harry” which he suffered multiple injuries but was able to fight against numerous attacks by the enemies. From the total of 56 Americans in the Outpost just eight escaped. The man didn’t realize at the time was that his actions did not just save the lives of soldiers however, the defense of Outpost Harry was crucial to the negotiating of a favorable arrangement that resulted in the signing an armistice less than six weeks later. .”
Covington County veterans lost during the Korean War include: O.C. Clark Jr. (prisoner of the war, died in prison); Ernest C. South (killed in combat); Stewart M. Baker (killed in the line of duty); Tellis W. Donaldson (missing in action); Wilmer T. Wyatt (killed in the course of action); Rudolph Farmer (killed in the course of action); Carnell Edward Booth (missing at sea); Charles Smith (killed in the course of action); James L.C. Jeter (killed in the course of action) and Lawrence D. Grantham (killed in the line of duty). Also killed while serving included Roy Catrett who died in an aircraft crash over the Atlantic Ocean and Cesario Verde who was killed in an airplane crash in France.
The emcee for the event for the event was Judge Ben Bowden, also a member of the CFV. Bowden offered the chance for veterans from every branch of the army to be honored up and be acknowledged, as did anyone who is a member from Gold Star families.
MGySgt. Robert Foshee, USMC (Ret.) was the leader of the group during taking the Pledge of Allegiance. The official welcome statement was made by CVF member Sammy Glover.
Local entertainers contributed to this patriotic mood. They sang with the Lower Alabama Community Choir sang the National Anthem, “America, the Beautiful” and “Battle Hymn of the Revolution.” .”
The members from the Andalusia High School band also performed the song “A National Pray.”
Andalusia School Show Choir sang “We Thank You” and “American Dream.”
The 50s as well as The Koran War era to the stage was Colby Carlock and the Hank Williams Revue who sang “Hey Good Looking” as well as “I’m So Lonesome I’d Like to cry.” They later was with Ivy Rogers for the song, “Walking After Midnight.”
HTML0. The Andalusia Ballet performed to “America the Beautiful” choreographed by Jose Soares who performed along with Mia Baumgartner, Mary-Grace Hammett, Ivy Rogers, Andres Castillo along with Michael Matthews.
Veterans Day events continue on Saturday, November. 11 with a parade through Andalusia starting around 10:00 a.m. Veterans can take part in the parade at First Baptist Church at 9:45. The city will hold its memorial service in Veterans Memorial Park, behind the city hall immediately after the parade.
The article gallery: CVF’s “Salute to Heroes’ kicks off Veterans Day events in Andalusia was originally published in The Andalusia Star-News.
