Honoring the Heroes: Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day at Hidden Springs Senior Living - Royal Examiner (2024)

Hidden Springs Senior Living recently hosted a heartfelt commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day. This event was particularly significant as the senior living community is home to over 15 veterans, including the remarkable 104-year-old Frank Brandon. Daryl Davison, the owner of Hidden Springs Senior Living, opened the event with welcoming remarks. Dale Corey from the Society of the American Revolution’s Colonel James Wood II Chapter (SAR) led the ceremony, with additional remarks from Lt. Col. Steve McLean.

The event began with resident Paul Fidishun playing the Star-Spangled Banner on his harmonica, setting a respectful and solemn tone. This song, written during the War of 1812 by Francis Scott Key, symbolizes the enduring spirit of American resilience and freedom. Corey provided a historical overview, tracing the journey from the Revolutionary War to D-Day, emphasizing the unyielding quest for liberty.

Corey then introduced Joan Grewe, a military veteran, who shared insights on women’s significant yet often overlooked contributions in the military. Joan’s journey began in 1974, a year after the Vietnam draft ended when the Army ROTC opened its doors to women. Her story underscored women’s vital roles, from the Revolutionary War to present-day conflicts, and the challenges they faced.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to women who have served, just as we do to the men,” Joan said, mentioning the famous figure of Molly Pitcher, who bravely took her husband’s place at a cannon during battle. These narratives remind us of the often unrecognized bravery of women throughout history.

Corey continued, focusing on the formidable German army during World War II and the strategic brilliance behind D-Day. He recounted the intricate planning and deception strategies employed by the Allies, such as the ghost army led by General George Patton, which misled German forces about the actual invasion site.

The highlight of the commemoration was a reading of General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s order to the Allied forces, a powerful message that encapsulated the gravity and significance of the mission. Eisenhower’s words, filled with confidence and determination, inspired the troops as they embarked on the greatest amphibious invasion in military history.

Members of SAR shared detailed accounts of the D-Day operation, describing the massive scale of the invasion, which involved 7,000 ships and over 195,000 naval personnel. The beaches of Normandy—Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword—became the battlegrounds where Allied forces, including troops from the United States, Britain, Canada, and other nations, fought valiantly.

The commemoration also included a poignant segment on the sacrifices made by the small town of Bedford, Virginia. Bedford, which had the highest per capita loss of any American community on D-Day, lost 19 of its sons in the first minutes of the invasion. The story of the Stevens brothers, twin soldiers from Bedford, highlighted the personal and profound losses endured by many families during the war.

Following Corey’s presentation, Lt. Col. Steve McLean took the stage to honor the veterans. He began by acknowledging the extraordinary life of Frank Brandon, who, at 104 years old, represents the living history of America’s greatest generation.

In his remarks, Lt. Col. McLean quoted from Eisenhower’s inaugural address, emphasizing, “The care of freedom is not long entrusted to the weak or the timid.” He highlighted the ongoing role of veterans in preserving freedom and the profound impact of their service.

“Patriotism is not confined to a gender. The love of this country is not confined to gender,” McLean said, recognizing both men and women veterans. He encouraged everyone to visit the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made on that fateful day.

The ceremony concluded with a reflection on the broader impact of D-Day. The successful invasion marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany, leading to their eventual defeat on May 7, 1945. This victory, achieved through the bravery and sacrifice of countless soldiers, solidified the United States’ position as a global leader and protector of freedom.

As we honor the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we remember the immense bravery of those who fought and the enduring legacy of their sacrifice. Their courage and determination continue to inspire and remind us of the cost of freedom and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

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On June 15, 2024, Warren County Habitat for Humanity will host its third annual Gospel Fest, a community event designed to unite local residents through music, faith, and fun activities. The festival will occur at the Gazebo in downtown Front Royal from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event is free and open to everyone.

The Gospel Fest, a brainchild of the Warren County Habitat for Humanity, aims to foster community spirit and highlight the organization’s faith-based mission. Andrea Ross, the director of Warren County Habitat for Humanity, and Shannon Roman, the faith liaison, emphasize the importance of such events in bringing the community together and showcasing the support and unity within the area.

“Our goal with Gospel Fest is to create a space where people from all walks of life can come together, enjoy great music, and celebrate our shared values,” said Andrea Ross. “It’s about community engagement and demonstrating the power of faith in bringing positive change.”

The festival will feature a diverse lineup of gospel music, including urban, contemporary, and Spanish gospel, with performers traveling from Richmond, Washington, D.C., and other areas. The music aims to uplift and inspire attendees, reflecting the event’s spirit. Shannon Roman, who is instrumental in organizing the Gospel Fest, shared her excitement about the variety of music and the participation of different churches.

“We invite many churches to join us because we believe in the power of unity in faith,” said Roman. “No matter your denomination, you’ll find a place here to celebrate and connect with others. It’s a beautiful representation of our community’s diversity and strength.”

In addition to music, the Gospel Fest will offer various activities for children, including a dedicated Kids’ Corner with games and face painting, ensuring that the event is family-friendly. Food vendors, including a popular pizza truck, will provide various dining options for attendees.

“We want to make sure there’s something for everyone,” said Ross. “Whether you’re here for the music, the food, or just to spend time with your family, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.”

Habitat for Humanity will also use the event to raise awareness about their ongoing projects and initiatives. The organization is known for its work in building homes and revitalizing neighborhoods. Gospel Fest is an opportunity to engage with the community and garner support for future endeavors.

“This festival is not just about fun; it’s also about supporting our mission,” Ross explained. “We hope to receive donations and find new sponsors to help us continue our work. Every contribution makes a difference in helping families achieve stable housing.”

Warren County Habitat for Humanity has been particularly active in the Osage Street area, working on neighborhood revitalization projects. Ross highlighted the importance of these efforts in improving the community and providing affordable housing to those in need.

“When we build homes, we sell them at market value to ensure we’re enhancing, not diminishing, the neighborhood,” Ross said. “It’s all about creating lasting positive change.”

Volunteers are a crucial part of Habitat for Humanity’s operations, and the organization is always looking for more people to get involved. Roman noted that there are many ways to volunteer, not just through construction work.

“Volunteering with Habitat can take many forms,” she said. “From office work to helping organize events like Gospel Fest, there’s a role for everyone. We appreciate every bit of help we get.”

As the date approaches, the excitement for the third annual Gospel Fest continues to build. Ross, Roman, and the rest of the Warren County Habitat for Humanity team invite everyone for a day of music, fun, and community spirit.

“We’re thrilled to see how this event has grown over the years,” Ross said. “Each year, more people come out to support us, and it truly shows the strength and unity of our community. We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone on June 15th.”

Town Talk is a series on the Royal Examiner where we will introduce you to local entrepreneurs, businesses, non-profit leaders, and political figures who influence Warren County. Topics will be varied but hopefully interesting. Let us know if you have an idea topic or want to hear from someone in our community. Send your request to news@RoyalExaminer.com

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Shenandoah National Park brings history to life with a new interactive web-based curriculum, “Life at Lewis Mountain: Shenandoah in the Jim Crow Era.” This special program will be showcased at Jenkins Hall at Laurel Ridge’s Luray-Page County Center on Thursday, June 6, at 6 p.m.

The event will feature presentations by Shenandoah National Park’s interpretive specialist, Claire Comer, and visual information specialist, Allysah Fox. They will discuss the development of this engaging curriculum, which delves into the history of Lewis Mountain Campground. This area, situated near mile marker 60 on Skyline Drive, was established for Black parkgoers during the segregation era and included a campground, picnic area, lodge, and cabins.

Lewis Mountain Campground is a significant part of the park’s history, representing the segregation and the subsequent efforts towards integration. Comer and Fox’s presentation will highlight the struggles between those advocating for an integrated park and those wanting to maintain segregation.

The curriculum is designed to be highly interactive and educational, featuring five short videos paired with follow-up activities aimed at upper-middle and high school students. These videos include many historical resources such as oral histories, letters, newspaper articles, and photographs from the Jim Crow era. The program can be accessed online at Shenandoah National Park’s website.

Creating this curriculum was a massive undertaking involving decades of research and collaboration. Significant contributions came from Audrey Tutt-Smith, a Lewis Mountain staff member from the 1950s, along with other staff and members of the Black community. Their efforts have ensured this important part of history is preserved and shared.

In addition to the online curriculum, visitors to Shenandoah National Park can learn more at the Big Meadows Visitors Center on Skyline Drive, which features interpretive information, including oral histories, about the segregation and integration of the park. Comer emphasized that while the exhibit is accessible online, in-person visiting provides a richer experience.

“That’s the best place to go in the park to get that story,” she said. “They can also explore that exhibit online without having to go. At Lewis Mountain, there’s a panel that explains the history of it. It’s still a working campground and lodge. There are multiple ways to learn the story, both in the park and virtually.

“We want to share all of our stories. We think that the existence of Lewis Mountain, the story of segregation and desegregation, is important for people to hear. There were a lot of local folks who worked there and made it a really fun and exciting destination for African Americans during that period. Also, it is just the struggle to end segregation. It’s a very interesting and very complex story.”

The June 6 event will also offer refreshments. Interested individuals can contact Claire Comer at 540-999-3500, ext. 3183, for more information. This program is an opportunity to learn about an important chapter in the history of Shenandoah National Park and the broader struggle for civil rights in America.

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This weekend, the Ginkgo Grove at Blandy Experimental Farm will come alive with a unique, sound-based art installation called “Murmuration.” Created by Lee Weisert and Jonathon Kirk, this outdoor sound installation will be open to the public from 12:00-5:00 PM on Saturday, June 1st, and Sunday, June 2nd.

What is “Murmuration”? “Murmuration” uses robotic, wirelessly controlled mallets to strike woodblocks mounted on trees, creating an ever-changing percussive soundscape. These instruments are triggered by computer-generated algorithms that mimic natural processes, making for an immersive and organic auditory experience.

Important Information for Visitors:

• Location: Ginkgo Grove at Blandy Experimental Farm
• Time: 12:00-5:00 PM, Saturday, June 1st, and Sunday, June 2nd (weather permitting)
• Cost: Free!
• Parking: Park near the Quarters building and enjoy a scenic 10-minute walk to the Ginkgo Grove. Limited parking is available at the Ginkgo Grove.
• Restrooms: Public restrooms are located at the Quarters building and Peetwood Pavilion.

Weather Advisory: The installation is weather-dependent and will be taken down if rain threatens to damage the electronics. As of Friday morning, rain is likely on Sunday, so plan your visit accordingly.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience “Murmuration” at Blandy! For more details and to plan your visit, check out our website: Blandy Experimental Farm News.

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We asked local co-sponsors Jim Justice (Chester Street Tavern) and “Skip” Rogers (Able Forces Foundation) for a perspective on their initial Salute to Service Memorial Day weekend event. It was a musically-anchored event in the Gazebo Village Commons Park area downtown, with a “hard opening” at 1 p.m. that gave Rogers time to return from his participation in the wreath laying at Malcolm Barr Sr.’s noon-launched Dog of War Garden ceremony at the Humane Society of Warren County Julia Wagner Animal Shelter.

“Our Inaugural Memorial Day ‘Salute To Service’ was an incredible day filled with remembrance of fallen heroes, community support, incredible music and food, and tremendous memories of being together with friends and family,” Rogers replied, adding a heartfelt, “God Bless all who participated and supported this wonderful community event for Front Royal. We look forward to next year”.

As do we, Skip, as do we.

Co-sponsor Jim Justice of The Chester Street Tavern, which served as a musical staging and jamming area across from the park, asked that we acknowledge the full complement of sponsoring agencies, businesses, musicians, exhibitors, vendors, and individuals that made the above-described “community event” possible. We replied that if he had gone to the trouble to list them all, we would do our best to oblige. So, here they are:

“Our veteran support foundations: Skip and Kathy Rogers of Able Forces Foundation, and Chris Jacobson and team of Farmer Veteran Coalition.

“Our primary sponsors, including musicians: Sam Tate, The Hobo Mariners, Sunny Lane and the Dirty Hippies, Sally Mae Foster; and Gysea Soul; along with Moose Lodge, 4Js Farm and Brewery, Thru w/Therapy, Quecon Inc., Passage Creek Rising, Buckhead Farm, The Giving Tree, National Media Services.

“Exhibitors: the American Legion, Sons of the Revolutionary War, Honor Flight Top of Virginia, Virginia Department of Veteran Services; and our two veteran food vendors; brothers Rick Gardner (Carolina Dreamin) and Tim Gardner (Firestorm Pizza)

“To the contributing volunteers of Chester Street Tavern, including Deb Moyer, Suzanne Obetz, Hank Gorecki, and Shaireese Fletcher.

“Other local sponsors included: the Virginia Beer Museum, Malcolm Barr, Glenn Wood, Key Move Properties, and Farm Bureau Virginia, Royal Examiner, The River 95.3.

“And lest we forget the town staff, including Lizi Lewis, Scott Curry, and our local law enforcement officers,” Justice almost concluded. – Uh oh, do we really want to include this last one?!? – Well, he’ll probably write something bad about us if we edit him out, so why not? “And lastly, to our media master Roger Bianchini,” Justice finished with a nod our way.

Hey, just doing my job in alerting this community to what appeared to be, and was, an outstanding addition to Front Royal and Warren County’s Memorial Day weekend celebration, with a nod to our associate Malcolm Barr Sr. and his related story’s acknowledged co-conspirators Marine Lt. Col. Rob MacDougall, Able Forces “Skip” Rogers, among others in this community.

And a few more musical shots from the “Salute to Service” inaugural offering in memory of, not only our nation and community’s fallen soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, but also those who survived and mourn those lost. Bless them all.

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I asked our contributing writer Malcolm Barr Sr., a lifelong journalist and retired U.S. government public affairs officer, with a lifelong affection for animals, particularly dogs, that he has helped rescue and cared for most of his 91 years and counting, for a perspective on what he has indicated this year will be his last organizationally overseeing of the Dogs of War Garden Memorial Day weekend ceremony at the Humane Society of Warren County’s Julia Wagner Animal Shelter. Below is his response, reflecting on quite the local Memorial Day weekend personal history.

It might also be noted that when Barr and his late wife Carol retired to Front Royal in 2002, their son Malcolm Jr. attended and graduated from Randolph-Macon Academy, ultimately serving in Iraq with the U.S. Air Force – Glad you made it home, Malcolm Junior.

And God bless my friend, and our contributing writer, for his love of animals, especially dogs and dogs of service, and of those dogs of service and their handlers. And bless ALL veterans who have made war’s ultimate sacrifice when it was called upon to be given. And God Bless those lost-to-conflict veterans’ families and friends left behind to mourn their sacrifice.

A Memorial Day weekend reflection by Malcolm Barr Sr.

More than a decade ago, the streets of Front Royal were silent on Memorial Day weekend. No ceremony, no salute to the fallen of all wars since the civil war, no bands playing, just a federal holiday weekend with folks taking advantage of store sales. For whatever reason, tributes to the fallen in Front Royal and Warren County had, in fact, fallen by the wayside.

Raised as a child in war-torn England through the years of World War II (1939-45), and serving in the Royal Air Force (UK) in a post-war “clean up” capacity (1951-54), I became deeply aware of the lives lost in that war, and subsequent wars in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, attending the traditional November 11 “Armistice Day” ceremonies in England, Canada and the United States.

My life as a journalist evolved from sports writing in England, to general assignment reporting in Canada, to military writing in America where I proudly covered from my post in Hawaii – home of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, the 25th Infantry Division, headquarters Pacific Air Forces, and the Fleet Marine Force Pacific – the activities of these forces during the decade of the 1960s when the Vietnam War heated up. I have before me now a program from the 189th Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel where I was honored to be a guest of the Marines, specifically Lt. Gen. Victor H. Krulak, who on that memorable evening pronounced me an “honorary Marine”, a title I’ve proudly carried with me through the last 60 years, many of them as a proud (associate) member of the U.S, Marine Corps Combat Correspondents’ Association.

Reporting for The Associated Press in the Pacific in 1966 I found myself assigned to a B-52 bomber flight over Cambodia from the distant Pacific island of Guam. I was bumped from the flight at the last minute, and found myself stranded several thousand miles from home base. What to do? I stopped by the 14th Naval District headquarters where a young public information officer volunteered to show me the island’s World War II dog cemetery. It involved a heated trek into the jungle, fighting our way with machetes in 90-plus degree heat through to a peaceful, though overgrown, glade where we uncovered the headstones of three of some 22 graves containing the remains of war dogs killed while on duty in the Pacific theater.

As a lifetime lover of dogs, and active in dog rescue for many of those years, I wrote an article about the cemetery and its apparent abandonment that ran world-wide and caught the attention of the then Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara. Subsequently, the cemetery was handed off to the U.S. Marine Corps that ultimately cleared the land and built a handsome memorial honoring the dogs and their contribution to the war effort. Reportedly, the cemetery and the memorial have become a popular tourist mecca, attracting thousands of visitors each year and many war dog memorials have cropped up both in the U.S. and in Europe, specifically in England, France, Belgium and Holland.

As a former president of the Humane Society of Warren County (HSWC), I approached the Front Royal Animal Shelter with a proposal to develop a memorial garden honoring the war dogs and their compatriots, the K-9s involved in local law enforcement, particularly since the first war dogs of World War II were sent into battle directly from their training facility in Front Royal. We opened the garden three years ago, honoring the dogs and their handlers on each Memorial Day weekend, including this past weekend where I officiated for the last time as my 92nd birthday approaches.

U.S. Marine Corps reservist Lt. Col. Robert MacDougall has taken over from me the regular Memorial Day ceremony, promising along with Able Forces Director “Skip” Rogers, to maintain the twin ceremonies honoring both the military men and women who lost their lives in fighting for their country, and the dogs that helped these brave men and women on the battlefield that also were killed in the line of duty. Both of these colleagues of mine were instrumental this year in organizing and sponsoring several Memorial Day weekend activities, which filled the entire weekend, at the Julia Wagner Animal Shelter (Dogs of War salute), the downtown Gazebo park (Salute to Service) and County Courthouse grounds.

For me, this was a bitter-sweet weekend in which I gave way to age, stepping back from active participation in the future, and thanking those who have helped put Memorial Day back on the map in Warren County. Those include the aforementioned two service veterans; the late Victor “Tory” Failmezger, a U.S. Navy veteran and local author of World War II books; the Town of Front Royal that sponsored the original Gazebo-area ceremonies prior to COVID; Randolph-Macon Academy; Fussell Florist; lay minister Michael Williams for his invocation; bagpiper Jim Lundt; and more lately the Valley Chorale; the current Wagner Animal Shelter staff and its executive director, Kayla Wines.

Thank you, everyone, and God Bless America and those who sacrifice all to preserve the ideals upon which it was built.

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Front Royal gathered on the courthouse lawn under a sunny sky for its annual Memorial Day commemoration, a heartfelt tribute to those who paid the ultimate price in military service to the nation. The event began with welcoming remarks from Robert MacDougall, a retired U.S. Marine who served for 12 years on active duty and another 10 years in the Marine Corps Reserve. McDougall co-chaired the event with Skip Rogers, an Army veteran who served as a dog handler from 1968 to 1974 and now leads the Able Forces Foundation, helping veterans in need.

MacDougall’s opening speech set the tone for the day. “We gather today to acknowledge, remember, and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country,” he said. His words were a reminder of the bravery and selflessness of those who have served.

The ceremony continued with an opening prayer from Michael Williams, Associate Pastor of First Baptist Church of Front Royal. Williams spoke about the significance of sacrifice and unity. “Almighty God, we live in troubling times. We see people fighting and dying for what we believe are both just and unjust causes,” he prayed. His invocation emphasized the importance of remembering those who have died for the freedoms we enjoy.

Following the prayer, the Clark sisters led the assembly in the national anthem, their voices harmonizing beautifully as they sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The stirring rendition was met with applause as the audience stood in respect.

MacDougall then introduced several local leaders who have contributed to making Front Royal a special place. Special mention was given to Malcolm Barr, Sr., who, at 91 years old, played a pivotal role in renewing the town’s Memorial Day commemoration 12 years ago.

The keynote speaker, Joe McFadden, shared his journey and Memorial Day’s meaning. McFadden, a Marine Corps veteran and current member of the Virginia Army National Guard, spoke about his experiences in Iraq and the profound losses he witnessed. He recounted the deaths of Major Ricardo Crocker and Staff Sergeant David Stewart, emphasizing the deep personal connections and the lasting impact of their sacrifices.

“Today is not just a day to remember the abstract idea of fallen soldiers, but the very real people behind the uniforms who left behind families, dreams, and legacies,” McFadden said. His poignant stories brought the audience closer to the reality of the sacrifices made by service members.

The ceremony also highlighted the life of Marine Corporal Jonathan Yale, a young man from Burkeville, Virginia, who was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for his heroic actions in Iraq. Yale’s bravery saved the lives of more than 50 Marines and Iraqi policemen when he stopped a suicide bomber from entering their base. The reading of his citation was a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those in uniform.

Michael Williams offered the closing prayer titled “With Gratitude and Honor, ” written by Jay Veltri.” The prayer called for remembrance and care for the families of the fallen, emphasizing that freedom is not free and honoring the sacrifices of those who have defended it.

“Freedom and security are achieved and maintained at a high price,” the prayer concluded. “Please do what you can to support the servicemembers that came home with injuries, both seen and unseen, and the families of those servicemembers that did not come home.”

The ceremony ended with a call to action for the community to continue supporting veterans and their families, cherishing the freedoms secured through immense sacrifice. “Remind those you gather with this weekend about the true meaning of Memorial Day,” Rogers urged. “Strive to be a citizen worth defending.”

Front Royal’s Memorial Day commemoration was a touching and respectful event, reminding all in attendance of the importance of honoring those who have served the country. The day was both a solemn remembrance and a celebration of the values and freedoms these heroes fought to protect.

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