BY DEBBIE PAGE

A chilly drizzle did not deter several hundred from paying tribute to fallen military heroes on Monday morning at the Walk of Heroes Memorial Day ceremony at Troutman’s ESC Park pavilion.

This third annual weeks-long event was hosted by the Troutman Exchange Club, the Evening Exchange Club of Lake Norman, and the Town of Troutman.

After presentation of the colors by the South Iredell High School Marine Corps JROTC, Crystal McIntosh performed the National Anthem, followed by an opening prayer by Rev. Bill Troutman of Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home.

Troutman spoke of the privilege of helping military families during a time of loss and grief, of “having the responsibility of trying to help families, especially as their loved ones are returned from battle, having lost their lives.”

“We also sadly have helped families that I think we need to remember this Memorial Day as well — those who have served triumphantly and received their loved ones back into their arms after battle, only to lose them as the result of the emotional stress, the ravages of war.”

Troutman prayed for all those who laid down their lives in the service of their country.

“We give you thanks for all the blessed memories and all the enduring hopes and the ties that bind us to the unseen world to all the heroic dead who encompass us like a great cloud of witnesses,” he said.

Troutman prayed that their memories and sacrifices be carried by this and future generations.

After thanking the Troutman Exchange Club and town staff for their hard work in making the Walk of Heroes event possible, Troutman Mayor Teross Young said the courage and commitment of the fallen will never be forgotten.

“Let us all reflect on the selflessness and dedication that they showed in protecting our nation and our values. Memorial Day is a time for us to come together as a community to share our grief and gratitude for those who have served and sacrificed,” the mayor said.

“The legacy of our fallen heroes inspires us to cherish the freedoms that we enjoy today and try for a better future for all. As we remember those who have given their lives, let us commit to serving our community and country with the same dedication and the same patriotism they have exemplified.”

Troutman Town Manager Ron Wyatt, a Marine veteran, encouraged young people to seek a career of military service. He praised MCJROTC Master Sergeant Michael Fisher for teaching and preparing high school students for a possible military career.

“Most importantly, I hope that you will explain to some young person in your life what this day is truly about,” concluded Wyatt.

After Evening Exchange Club of Lake Norman President Marie Watts invited folks to get involved with the area’s Exchange Clubs, Troutman Exchange President Amy Suggs asked all military, police, and first responders in the crowd who served or are serving their country and community to stand and be recognized.

“Service doesn’t end with the uniform. It continues with the loved ones who stand behind you, support you, and keep things running at home. To the families of those who wear the uniform, thank you as well.”

Suggs said the 300 flags waving on the Richardson Greenway since May 16 are “a powerful symbol of unity, remembrance, and pride.” The clubs hope to continue to expand the this annual tradition until one day the entire length of the greenway is lined with flags.

The guest speaker, retired Air Force Sgt. Jim Kiger of the Welcome Home Veterans Military Museum at Richard’s Coffee Shop, reminded chilly attendees that many of those who served did so in driving rain in Vietnam or in cold as low as 65 degrees below zero in Korea.

Kiger then told the stories of three men, Bobby, Bubby, and John, three veterans who touched his life deeply.

Bobby was a childhood friend he met at age 11 in Scouts, and the pair grew up as great friends, separated when Bobby joined the Army and Kiger joined the Air Force. Bobby went to Vietnam right after basic training and was killed by a sniper 47 days into his deployment.

“He was a great kid. He did not deserve to die the way he did, four days after his 18th birthday,” Kiger said. “He was a wonderful human being.”

Kiger met Bubby on a deployment to hot and humid Panama, where both served on rotating three-week base police and jungle patrols.

“Bugs, snakes — it’s like everything is trying to kill you there.”

On Halloween while on base patrol, Bubby saved two kids from a deadly bushmaster snake, but he was bitten on the heel in the process. Both fangs broke off in his boot.

Bubby also saved Kiger’s life four or five times. He died three years ago on Memorial Day.

“He was a heck of a man, one of the best partners I ever had in the 12 years of Air Force police work that I did,” Kiger said. I know he’s watching over us right now.”

Bubby’s son is currently on active duty in the Air Force Special Forces.

“That’s probably the part of the story that you need to know,” Kiger said. “Our fighting men and women are actively deployed right now, doing the job to ensure that all of us are safe so we can do things just like this, making sure that the bad guys don’t make it here.”

Kiger’s friend John enlisted in the Navy during WWII at age 16 after lying about his age. After turning 17 in basic training, he landed on the battleship California as an aerial gunner recon sailor who directed defensive fire during Japanese aerial attacks.

During a kamikaze attack, John was thrown up two decks after the plane hit just below his gun deck, killing 47. He laid there, burned over 45 percent of his body and a spark plug from the plane embedded in his head, for two days, presumed dead until someone saw him move and got him medical care.

John survived the surgery and his injuries, waking in the hospital with a silk bag around his neck containing the spark plug and a Purple Heart. After he started his civilian career climbing poles for the telephone company, John’s arm froze one day. His doctor discovered a 50-caliber bullet lodged in his arm, unnoticed before because of his burn injuries.

The doctor cut the bullet out, after some alcohol consumption to dull the pain, and John kept both souvenirs in a shadow box in his home until his death a decade ago.

Kiger then revealed that John was his wife’s stepfather and a “cantankerous old man.” John never told his story until Kiger dragged him to Richard’s Coffee Shop, where fellow veterans gave him the safe space to open up and share his painful experiences.

“He was one of the nicest human beings I ever met. I love him dearly.”

Kiger lastly thanked all who serve in the military or as police, firefighters, or EMTS because they are “the men and women who run into the battle. That is what America is all about.”

Veterans from all branches of the armed forces were asked to stand as their branch’s song played, followed by a 21-gun salute by American Legion Post 65 in Statesville and the playing of “Taps” by Tom Matisko.

Suggs thanked presenting sponsor Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home for its support of the Walk of Heroes events.

She also recognized (Blue Sponsors) Express Employment Professionals and Structure Medical; (White Sponsors) Sawyer Insurance, K-2 Sports, The Pit Indoor Kart Racing, and Corriher and Michael, PLLC; and (Red Sponsors) Lake Norman Realty, Universal Remodeling, Victory Press Printing, Eyes on Lake Norman, Westside Twins, Troutman Auto Care, Bavarian Kitchen, and The Cedar Stump Pub.

In-kind contributions were also received by Palm Street Studio LLC, The Sign Shop, Charlotte Pipe, Lisa Crates Photography, WHIP, WAME, Troutman Event Center, and Purple Heart Homes.

Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 10 members cooked hot dogs and provided fixings for attendees to enjoy after the ceremony.

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