Memorial Day 2015: A day of remembrance
By Rory Ryan
The Highland County Press
On a day of remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice, Second District Rep. Lt. Col. Dr. Brad Wenstrup remembered a friend and patriot – as well as a military and medical professional colleague: Major John Pryor of suburban Philadelphia.
Major Pryor was killed on Christmas Day 2008 while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"Dr. Pryor drove to Ground Zero to help people," Congressman Wenstrup told the hundreds of veterans and local residents gathered at the Highland County Veterans Memorial on Monday morning. "John Pryor joined the Reserves to serve his country. In 2008, on Christmas Day, he was hit by a mortar and killed."
Major Pryor was 42.
He had deployed on Dec. 6, 2008 for his second tour of duty in Iraq as a combat medic with the Army Reserves and was due to come home in April 2009. He was one of the many American service men and women who did not come home.
Major Pryor left a wife, Dr. Carmela Calvo, their daughter, and two sons.
Congressman Wenstrup shared that Dr. Pryor kept a quote by Albert Schweitzer on his desk: "Seek always to do some good, somewhere. Even if it's a little thing, something for those that need help, something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it.”
The congressman also shared a quote from Hall of Fame baseball player Roberto Clemente, who was killed while on a humanitarian mission on Dec. 31, 1972. 'Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don't, then you are wasting your time on earth.'
"Our soldiers are not wasting their time on earth," Congressman Wenstrup said. "What they have done for us will never be forgotten."
The congressman encouraged everyone to think of all the fallen veterans and "look up to the heavens and say 'thank you.'"
"When we think of our blessings, our safety and security, we remember their sacrifice."
Congressman Wenstrup was introduced by VFW Post 9094 Commander Rick Wilkin, who referenced the lawmaker's experience as a doctor, an Army Reserve officer, Iraq War veteran, and small business owner. Accompanying the congressman were his wife, Monica, and their young son, Brad Jr.
"We feel honored to have you here as our guest speaker," said Commander Wilkin, who served as the master of ceremonies.
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He introduced numerous guests, including the Hillsboro High School band, Alberta Duncan, members of local veterans organizations from the VFW, AmVets, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Highland County Honor Guard and Highland County Veterans Service Commission.
Other guest speakers included: Hillsboro Mayor Drew Hastings; Gary Smaltz of Disabled American Veterans Lloyd C. Ludwick Chapter 123, who led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Veterans Memorial; Kevin Barreras of the Veteran Services Commission; Patricia Chaney Young of the Daughters of the American Revolution; VFW Post 9094 Ladies Auxiliary President Sherry Mills; Stephanie Roland of Support Our Troops Of Highland County invited everyone to visit the Vietnam Veterans Traveling Tribute at Liberty Park in Hillsboro, May 27-31; and Darrell Spencer, who delivered the benediction.
A Memorial Day proclamation was presented by Highland County Commissioner Tom Horst in conjunction with fellow commissioners Shane Wilkin and Jeff Duncan.
In addition, patriotic music was provided by the Hillsboro High School band, under the direction of Kevin Grow, and Alberta Duncan.
All veterans in attendance were recognized as the HHS band played their respective branch of service's song:
• U.S. Coast Guard, “Semper Paratus;”
• U.S. Air Force, “The Air Force Song;”
• U.S. Navy, “Anchors Aweigh;”
• U.S. Army, “As the Army Goes Rolling Along;” and,
• U.S. Marine Corps, “The Marine Corps Hymn.”
Russ Roever read a solemn presentation on behalf of all American prisoners of war and missing in action (POW-MIA) and reminded everyone in attendance that there was to be no applause following this ceremony.
During a ceremonial folding of the American Flag, Judy McCray (wife of retired U.S. Army Major Mac McCray) explained the 13 folds of the flag.
The Kindred Soulz Motorcycle Club provided bottled water to those in attendance.
Following a 21-gun salute by the Highland County Honor Guard and the playing of "Taps," by Alberta Duncan, Commander Wilkin thanked all the veterans and volunteers for assisting in the 2015 Memorial Day services and invited everyone to the VFW Post 9094 for lunch.