I do not know anyone who is not related to someone who had or has a family member, friend or acquaintance who has served or is now serving in a branch of the military somewhere, sometime.
On a personal level, my deceased father of nearly 19 years now, Paul H. Radford, and my father-in-law, Hughie H. Stover, who just recently turned 90, not only served faithfully in the U.S. Army, they regarded their service as protecting their homeland and families as a privilege. They both were driven by such a desire to serve, that both entered as teenagers at the earliest age.
I also had five uncles, cousins and nephews who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines, as well in as the National Guard.
There are not enough words in the world to tell each and every story. My father-in-law, a WWII Command Sgt. Major, tells me a war story at least once a week that most often is tearful to hear. His small, yet powerful photo album is close by his side.
Past photos of my father include the CC Camp where Shady Spring High School now stands.
If only our youth only knew how blessed they are because of those who took — who still take a stand. How far have we come? Remember and honor the vets — each and every day of the year.
Evangeline Stover
Shady Spring
