Patriot Day – Woodmen of the World Salutes America’s Heroes

Wylliesburg Woodmen of the World Chapter 179 invited everyone to celebrate Patriot Day at their post. For the 15th consecutive year, guests from the local area came to honor those that serve to protect us from harm presently and memorialize those service members that have already fallen.

Members from the post and honored guests paid tribute to all of our American heroes through heartfelt speeches, personal stories and moving prayers. A portion of the service was set aside to honor the local service organizations by giving them each a United States flag that was proudly made in the USA. The local service organizations that were honored include fire departments, rescue squads, police departments and sheriff’s department, from Bacon District, Charlotte Court House, Chase City, Drakes Branch and Keysville.

Towards the conclusion of the service, veterans and all other service men/women were asked to come forward and share his/her individual position in the service industry of his/her choice and the length of time that had been served. At least one individual present had provided 40+ years of service to a local fire department and was still an active member in the organization.

Major Donald Lacks from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office provided a few closing words by thanking all in attendance for the continued support. Pastor Billy Tatum from Wylliesburg Baptist Church concluded the service by offering a blessing of the food that was offered to all in attendance of the event.

As days pass and we continue to safely live in the land of the free, let us all try to remember that when we are presented with the opportunity to take a moment and thank the men and women who risk their lives every day to protect each of us.

Story and Photo by Shelly Sheets