HEMPHILL, TX (KTRE) -
A Hemphill Vietnam
veteran who served as a U.S. Army Ranger will be the first non-president or
non-head of state to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the
Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. A ceremony in John Woodward's honor
was held at the Sabine County Courthouse.
"I want to proclaim
this John Woodward day in Sabine County, Texas," Charles Watson, the Sabine
County Judge, said.
On December 12,
Woodward and 16 other Vietnam veterans will honor those who lost their lives in
the Vietnam War.
"This is an honor
above honors to be part of this ceremony of this famous wreath that will be
laid on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier," Bob Kustermann, the local VFW Post
commander, said.
Woodward, a shy but strong former soldier was
surprised when he learned about the honor, but he gave a very outspoken "thank
you" to the community for supporting veterans.
"Today was the first
day that I basically came out in public for awhile, and to see from this
community," Woodward said. "I want to believe this community is patriotic
enough to support veterans."
It was a profound
moment when Woodward displayed a flag to the public. It was stained with the blood
and sweat of those who served in Vietnam. Woodward said it will be retired to
the Vietnam War Memorial.
Today's ceremony may
have been small in number, but there was great presence in spirit.
"I do know that a
wound that needs to be healed and will be healed is the respect that those brothers
that gave their lives in Vietnam," Woodward said."I believe that will heal some
wounds to those brothers and to those families, who were betrayed by the American
people by disrespect.
Later in the ceremony, the somber
tones of a bugler playing "Taps," wafted over the courthouse grounds. Then there were sharp cracks as a group of veterans from the VFW fired off three rifle
volleys in a military salute.
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