Local military groups, students honor veterans

Murrells Inlet, S.C. — Veterans were honored with ceremonies and assemblies this week, highlighted by two area programs.
One was held at Burgess Elementary School and the other was the unveiling of a proposed monument to South Carolinians who made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan at the VFW Post 10420 in Murrells Inlet.
The Burgess students presented seven veterans charities with checks and in song and prose presented a history of how they raised the funds — $1 at a time.
According to the song, they raised money by holding a “bear day,” a “wear pajamas day,” and a “yellow and camo day,” among others.
Students recounted the interviews they did with friends and family members who are serving and have served in the military and their efforts to understand what that means.
A video of the youngsters performing calisthenics, similar to what is expected of boot camp recruits, brought chuckles.
But things turned serious as the students learned that one of their checks would provide a needy veteran with heat, or that their generosity would help the Blue Star Mothers fill their hero boxes.
And as promised by principal Donna Hooks, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house as the students sang along to recordings of each service branch’s song and veterans of each service stood to be honored.
“You are our heroes,” grateful recipients said.

VFW unveiling

Guests of the VFW got an early look at the three-panel memorial that will honor service members killed overseas.
The brainchild of Darryl Hammond, senior vice commander of the post, the only memorial of its kind in South Carolina, is looking for additional funding to become a reality.
Donations may be sent to VFW Post 10420, P.O. Box 308, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576.

By Anita Crone
For The Times