“All Gave Some, Some Gave All”

Five WWII veterans were part of the audience this morning for the unveiling of a marker at the foot of Westminster’s “World War” monument. And veterans are thankful to a Westminster woman, Juanita Stewart, for that marker—as well as for her work to keep the monument and ground a showplace for the city. The monument occupies a prominent place in the city—-a grass and tree-lined island on the corner of the busy intersection of W. Windsor Street (U-S 76/123) and the Walhalla Road (South Carolina 183.) The monument was built during the 20th century. Its first marker, “Our Solider Boys”, was dedicated to 24 Westminster area man who lost their lives in WWI. Since then, a sparate marker pays tribute to Korean and Vietnam veterans. Until today, there had not been one solely for WWII veterans. That bothered soft-spoken Juanita Stewart. But she deflects credit, saying she has at least one more betterment project in mind although, at the moment, she doesn’t know what it’ll be. The following Second World War veterans in today’s audience were recognized: Homer Hardy, Cecil Sandifer, Jack Hunt, Bruce McGuffin, and Chuck Kegebein. In a tribute Jerry Dyar, Oconee Veterans Affairs Director, said the Oconee veterans were among 16 million Americans who played a part in defeating Nazi Germany and the rest of the enemies faced by the U-S and its allies in WWII. Two state lawmakers—Senator Thomas Alexander and Representative Bill Whitmire—were among the speakers. Skip Mabry sang patriotic songs. Westminster Scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Walhalla American Legion Honor Guard performed a rifle salute to American servicemen and women. Memorial Day ceremonies have been part of the holiday weekend, with the featured countywide ceremony beginning at noon today in Walhalla, at the Civic Auditorium.