Page 112 - some-stuff-i-wrote-and-some-stuff-i-didn't-(2011)-h-morris-williams

Some Stuff I Wrote and Some Stuff I Didn't (2011) H. Morris Williams

Column February 4, 2007

THE WAR MEMORIALS OF OLUSTEE PARK

In case you have not read the serious words on the war memorials in
Olustee Park lately, here is a refresher, along with a couple of comments.

*World War I: “This memorial is dedicated to all of those who served in
World War I.” Comment: This dedication covers “ ..all who served..”
Wouldn’t it be appropriate if we erected a separate plaque in the same
area listing the full names of the Columbia Countians who were killed in
that war?

*World War II: “ Dedicated to the memory of those who made the
supreme sacrifice in World War II. Sponsored by the Lake City Garden
Club.” The 40 names of those “who made the supreme sacrifice” are
inscribed on the plaque. God love the members of the Lake City Garden
Club who sponsored the plaque-without them there might be no plaque
at all. Suggestion: Should some thought be given to leaving that plaque
exactly the way it is but erecting another larger plaque showing the exact
same names but in larger, easier to read print. Something like the names
on the Viet Nam marker. Take a look sometime and see what you think.

*Korean Conflict: “Tribute to Carlis J. Callahan, William Bonner Slade,
Arlys I. Roberts, Stanford Ware, and Alvin Lofton who made the supreme
sacrifice, and all the veterans of the Korean Conflict June 27, 1950-
January 31, 1955.” Comment: This was the first war where one of my
CHS classmates died, Arlys “ Pete” Roberts.

And on the back side of this monument, “ Dedicated May 27, 1985, by
American Legion posts 57 and 322, Disabled American Veterans Chapter
020, Fleet Reserve Association Branch 220, and Veterans of Foreign Wars
Post 2206.”

*Viet Nam Memorial: “All gave some, Some gave all” . The 23 names of
those who made the supreme sacrifice are inscribed. Comment: One of
the 23, Raymond E. Johnson, gave School Superintendent Grady Markham
his nickname of “Sam.” Note: John Clark and Jimmy R. Garbett are listed
as M.I.A. (missing in action).

106
www.LakeCityHistory.com LCH-UUID: 644B81FB-81A1-47B2-8D77-49DC2A1A0BE8