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Wlaf1450Let us raise the flag of respect for ALL who served and gave their lives to America’s freedom
WLAF’s Charlie Hutson shares his photo gallery HERE from Friday’s ceremony.
LAFOLLETTE, TN (SPECIAL WLAF)- Retired United States Marine Corp Lieutenant Colonel Dan Spurlock delivered an inspiring yet somber message at the Campbell County Memorial Day Honor Guard Program held in the auditorium at La Follette City Hall.
The event was held indoors due to it being a rainy morning when the 10am ceremony began.
Lieutenant Colonel Dan Spurlock shared his message with WLAF in order to publish and share it with you on this Memorial Day.
Memorial Day, in the United States, is a holiday (the last Monday in May) honoring those who have died while serving in the country’s armed forces. It originated during the American Civil War when citizens placed flowers on the graves of those who had been killed in battle. The first national observance was in 1868.
After World War I, the name was changed to Memorial Day, and in 1971 it became a federal holiday. The day is observed by visits to cemeteries, where flags and other items are placed on the graves of veterans. There are also parades, ceremonies and commemorative services such as this.
NEVER SHALL WE FORGET…..
TODAY, Let us Raise the Flag of Respect for ALL MILITARY, who served and gave their Lives to the Freedom of America!
Our Memories serve as “Guardians” to our fellow Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who graced our lives with their Bonds of Service on the soils and seas of many distant lands. Please bow our heads for a few moments to reflect and remember those Brothers and Sisters in Arms who left this World in Distinguished HONOR and in harms way. Thank You.
I was born and raised in Harlan County, Kentucky, just east up the valley and over the Cumberland Mountains.
Growing up, I only knew of the Military from my close relatives and friends who served in WWI and WWII. My Grandpas and Great Uncle served in WWI, while my Dad, his brothers, relatives and friends served in WWII.
During my high school years at Middlesboro, Kentucky, I became familiar with the Vietnam War, and in 1973, I entered active duty service with the Marine Corps and made a career that spanned 22 Years and held many Great Opportunities. Many deployments, trainings and travels have come my way, including 2 ½ years deployed and flying off Naval Flight Decks and Amphibious Carriers.
My greatest honor in service with the Corps came with a Twelve (12) month tour with the 6th Marines of 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and under the Leadership of Colonel James Livingston (Major General Retired), a Medal of Honor Winner, living today in Charleston, SC. “Leadership from the Front” was observed and followed through the example of Colonel Livingston. “Lead, Follow, or Get the Hell out of the Way” was soon a 6th Marines principal that I learned in depth! Sacrifice is often required of those who succeed!
FREEDOM….. Worth it All in AMERICA! Please allow me to touch on this, another moment in my service with the Corps.
In the fall of 1992, I had the privilege to Command the “Lucky Red Lions”, a Heavy Helicopter Squadron in southern California, 3rd Marine Aircraft, flying the Sikorsky CH53-D “Super Stallions”.
I was called to the Marine Airgroup Commanders office where I was informed that the “Lucky Red Lions” would soon deploy ½ way around the globe to a place called Somalia in Africa as the long range vertical lift component of the Joint US and United Nations “Operation Restore Hope” operation trying to save thousands and generations of Somali’s from starvation, and indiscriminate Somali Warlords.
Sitting in the Group Commanders office, I did not want to appear out of touch with World Geography or Current Affairs….. Africa I knew, but, Somalia nothing. Therefore, my answer, “Yes Sir, we will be ready….”
Our squadron deployed 13 “Heavy Haulers” and 200 Marines for support. A monumental logistical evolution, we traveled to Somalia in C5 Galaxies, and off loaded at Mogadishu… a very unsettled location.
For eight (8) months, my squadron lived in the dirt of a cold war era, overgrown Soviet airfield at Baledogle which we converted to operational capabilities for Helicopters and C-130 “Hercules” assault/cargo helicopters.
NOW….. LESSON LEARNED…..
Never have I been deployed to a more desolate, vile, corrupt place on earth where there is more regard for the life of a Camel than a child, or family.
The face of a child on Newsweek Magazine covered with flies and starved was real then, and unfortunately remains today for many places in this world!
TODAY, approaching the 250th Birthday of America…. FREEDOM must be cherished! The cost of Freedom must be understood by All Americans!
Memorial Day, and this memorable service Today, verifies and validates that the Sacrifices and Dedication of the American Military Servicemen and Women, in the gift of FREEDOM IS TRULY TO BE CHERISHED!
NEVER SHALL WE FORGET!
(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-05/25/2026-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)