Ridge Spring News: July 2014

Monday, July 28, 2014

July 28, 2014

Ridge Spring News

Ridge Spring Farmers’ Market is still going strong. Peaches, blueberries, vegetables, and more will be there. String beans are plentiful and peas are beginning to show up. Most have set up by 8:00 so come on down and enjoy the fellowship. We are a friendly bunch.

Off the Beaten Path held its grand opening and ribbon cutting on Saturday, July 19th. The day was a huge success. We would like to thank everyone who came out. We are adding new vendors and new merchandise all the time so be sure to stop back by. We are located at 200 DuBose St.

From David Marshall James: North Carolina writer Margaret Maron has an exceptionally good new entry in her Deborah Knott mystery series, out in early August. Deborah, true to her Biblical namesake, serves on the bench in a fictitious eastern N.C. town, Colleton, in the I-95 corridor. Before eighteen-wheelers and family minivans hurtled up and down that thoroughfare, the area boomed with tobacco production. Ironically, Judge Knott’s daddy, Mr. Kezzie, produced and ran “shine” to supplement his farm income. Indeed, the first entry in Maron’s long-running series is titled “Bootlegger’s Daughter.” After all, he had a dozen children (by two wives, the first having died), Deborah being the only girl, and the youngest. So, you can’t shake a stick around Colleton without hitting one of her kinfolk. In this latest entry, “Designated Daughters,” Mr. Kezzie’s younger sister is on her deathbed when she begins babbling deep, dark secrets. Her revelations result in a homicide case for Deborah’s husband, Deputy Sheriff Dwight Bryant, to tackle. A subplot involving the dying aunt’s daughter enriches author Maron’s themes of the many facets of aging and eldercare.

Revival at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Ridge Spring with Rev. Mike Bowling as Evangelist will be Sunday, August 10^th, 2014 @ 11:00 a.m. then Sunday night August 10^th through Wednesday night, August 13^th @ 7:00 p.m. Special music each night. Nursery provided. We invite everyone, past and present church members to Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Homecoming, August 10, 2014 @ 11:00 a.m. Dinner will be on the grounds following morning service. Mount Pleasant Baptist Church would like to invite area churches and our community to the Dedication Service of our new Family Life Center on Sunday, August 10^th 2014 from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. at 164 Mount Pleasant Road, Ridge Spring, SC 29129. A nursery will be provided. For more information you can call the church at 803-685-7183 or 803-295-3421.

Personal Note: Three years ago we had a tour bus come to Ridge Spring. We toured churches, daylily depot, and Spann Methodist Church cemetery; they shopped and dined at Juniper. One of the most memorable parts of this tour was Otis Miles having his choir sing for the group at Ridge Hill Baptist Church. The church was beautiful and the singing was perfect for us all. Otis, you will be missed.

Jeffrey Clamp: The RS-M Band Booster Club will be hosting a car wash this Saturday, August 2nd from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fire Department in Ridge Spring. There is no set price to get your car washed but donations will be accepted. All proceeds will go toward supporting the RS-M True Blue Marching Band.

The Annual Watson Reunion will be held The First Saturday in August, August 2, at The Watson House at Eleven o'clock. All descendants of John and William Watson are invited. Please let me know if you plan to attend. Any questions, call Joe Watson (803) 685-5335.

Ward Baptist Church had a wonderful and exciting Homecoming and Revival. We pray that each person attending received a Blessing.

The Johnston Farmer's & Artist's Market on Thursday afternoons is expected to be chock full of fresh fruits & vegetables. It is the prime time for locally grown tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, corn, peaches, plums, eggplant, zucchini, peas, butterbeans, blackberries, blueberries and the list goes on and on. You will also find delicious baked goods, artwork and crafts. Remember those nice brooms with real wooden handles sold by the Lion's Club? We have them at the market, whether it is a house, warehouse or whisk broom. It is held every Thursday afternoon from 4 - 6 p.m. in front of the Library/Warehouse building on Calhoun Street. For more information call Anne Smith at 803-275-4097 or Donna Livingston at 803-275-0010.

RSM Coach Johnson announces volleyball tryouts and practice starting Monday August 4th from 10:00-12:30 through Thursday August 7th. Beginning Monday August 11, practice will start at 3:30 daily! All students interested MUST have a current 2014-2015 physical! No physical, no practice, no play. Athletic paperwork can be obtained from the main office. 7th through 12th graders are eligible to attend tryouts! We're going to field three teams, RSMMS, RSM-JV and RSM-Varsity!

Josie Rodgers: With only 3 weeks left until the first day of school! It’s time to get those books read! If you’re not sure if your child had a summer reading assignment, call the school! Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary School Registration: Tues., Aug. 12: Noon-6:00 pm; Wed., Aug. 13: 10 am-4 pm; Thurs., Aug. 14: 10 am-2 pm. Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle/High School Registration: Thurs., Aug. 12: 9th and 6th grade—6 pm – 8 pm; Wed., Aug. 13: Noon-6 pm. School supplies: Pick up a few extras to send to teachers to have for students who aren’t able to purchase all of their supplies. I am sure they would also appreciate last year’s book bags that won’t be used again. Some of our children need so much, so every little thing we can do helps!

. Mark your calendars!!! Taylor Creek will be at Juniper August 9th!!!!

Reminders:

August 2: Watson Reunion

RSM Band Car Wash at Fire Station

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:30 pm; Fri 12:30 pm -4:30 pm; Sat 9 am -12:00 pm.

Every 2^nd & 4^th Monday: Kids' Corner Story Time 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Ridge Spring Library.

Every Friday & Saturday: AARS hours 10 – 4, free admission

Every first Tuesday of the Month: AARS meets 685-5783

Every Wednesday: AA meets at Recovery Works

Every Monday & Friday: Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings 7 pm at the RS Library

Third Thursday of each month: FORS at RSUMC Family Life Center 5 pm

Monday, July 21, 2014

July 21, 2014

FORS, Friends of Ridge Spring met Thursday evening at the Civic Center for we had two men to make a presentation for Ag Tourism. We ate at 5:00, had a business meeting at 5:30 and then introduced Clemson University Representative Willis Culler and Clemson University Catawba Region Ben Boyle. It was exciting to see the potential of our region.

The Farmers’ Market was full again. WE were never crowded with patrons but the patrons kept coming throughout the morning until 12:00. I sold out or peanuts by 10:15. We had organic fruits and vegetables, tomatoes, corn, all sorts of peppers, string beans watermelons, cantaloupe, squash, kale, okra, and so much more. Come on down.

One of our own vendors is also on the cover of a brochure promoting a farmers market on USC’s campus. William Bell is with Cocky on the cover. Check it out.

FOOD DRIVE JULY 26,2014

We at the Helpful Hands community Mission feel that one of the best ways we can serve those in need in our community is through our monthly food drive. Our vision as Christians and followers of Christ's example is to be there for everyone in need, from feeding the hungry to providing comfort to the weary. We are extending an invitation to you, to see if you would like to help sponsor our July food drive by donating canned and non-perishable foods. By helping us with your precious donations, you are answering the call of those less fortunate. Our goal is to acquire enough food to prepare 100 bags. The deadline for the for the July food drive will be 25th 2014. We hope you will participate with us! Donations may be left at the mission in donation box on the front porch. If you have any questions about this food drive, please contact us at

803-480-3963 or email us [pastorkey@yahoo.com]. We look forward to speaking with you! Blessings in Christ, Rev. George W. Key founder, Helpful Hands Community Mission

Colleen Morgan will have a one-woman showing of her "vintage photography" at the Aiken Center for the Arts, downtown Aiken on Laurens St. during the month of August.

Johnston Farmer's & Artist's Market offers a wonderful variety of fresh fruits & vegetables, crafts by local artists, delicious baked goods and brooms from the Lion's Club. Visit the market on Thursdays from 4 - 6 on Calhoun Street in front of the library/warehouse.

Brandon Velie, owner of Juniper Restaurant, is an ambassador. Please read how he and three other chefs were selected for the Sate of SC and how he represents our area. Congratulations!!!!!

From the Department of Agriculture: “Tourism and agriculture both have a significant impact on South Carolina, contributing tens of billions of dollars to the state’s economy each year and accounting for hundreds of thousands of jobs statewide. The South Carolina Chef Ambassador Program was established to create greater synergy between these two major industries and enhance the promotion of South Carolina as a culinary destination by showcasing the state’s culinary talent, creative recipes, authentic cuisine, locally-grown products and unique destinations.

A Chef Ambassador is selected from the state’s four regions: the Upstate, Midlands, Pee Dee, and the Lowcountry. Each Chef Ambassador’s professional creativity and personal style contribute to an ongoing effort to promote the state’s authentic culinary experiences and encourage the incorporation of buying local into every day meal planning – all while bringing a taste of the Palmetto State to dinner tables across the state and increasing demand for the best of what South Carolina offers.

The Chef Ambassadors work closely with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) and South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism (SCPRT) by attending and participating in a variety of public events, performing cooking demonstrations, taking part in educational discussions on establishing healthy eating habits for children, and showcasing the best of South Carolina’s bounty in both agriculture and tourism. The Chef Ambassadors also work with the Governor’s Mansion Chef, Steven Janowski, who serves as an advisor to the Ambassadors and assists in promoting the state’s food and cuisine.

Various statewide events are selected for Chef Ambassador Involvement to ensure maximum exposure and reach. Potential opportunities include appearances at farmers markets and food and wine festivals, providing cooking demonstrations at the South Carolina State Fair, working with the South Carolina Farm to School program, hosting campground cookouts at State Parks, and taking part in tailgating events, events at the Governor’s Mansion, and in the Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Travel.”

2014-2015
SC Chef Ambassadors UPSTATE Chef Heidi Trull Grits & Groceries Belton, SC MIDLANDS Chef Brandon Velie Juniper Ridge Spring, SC PEE DEE Chef Cooper Thomas Victor’s Bistro Florence, SC LOWCOUNTRY Chef Brian Waters Saltus River Grill Beaufort, SC

Joanne Crouch, AARS President

AARS is excited to announce that they are the recipient of a grant from the South Carolina Art Commission to assist with the wiring of the kiln that the Art Center had purchased previously. There are still a few steps that need to be completed before we can begin classes for the public. Details will be released soon as opportunities develop.

Current officers are Joanne Crouch, president, D.S. Owens, vice-president, Donna Minor, secretary and Barbara Yon, treasurer.

The Ridge Heritage Quilt Trail has a new installed addition to our trail. The newest quilt block was installed on Billy Rodger’s barn on Waterfront Lane off highway 39. Please contact us if we can paint a quilt block for your home, barn, or business. Come by the Art Center to discuss your options. First Thursday Needle Craft Night is Thursday, August 7th from 6:30-8:30. This is a free event for those who like to get together with needle art projects. Stumped on a needle art project???? Bring it in and maybe someone can offer assistance with your questions. This will be a monthly event.

Member DS Owens has received awards for 3 of his photographs at the 2014 Santee and Birding and Nature Festival. AARS is excited to announce that Jim Harrison, well-known South Carolina artist, will have an artist reception at the Art Center on Sunday, October 5^th from 1-4. Original paintings, notecards and books will be available for sale. The public is invited and admission is free. AARS is currently looking for an instructor to teach stained glass classes. We have the supplies available for the class. We are also looking for a pottery instructor to lead pottery class. Contact Joanne Crouch for more details at (803)685-5577 or email joanne.crouch26@gmail.com. Whether you are an artist or just an art lover, we would love to have you join us. Membership is $25 for individuals and $35 for families. Members get a 10% discount on gallery purchases and classes.

School is coming and will be here before you know it. Place these dates on your calendars.

Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary School Registration

August 12: Noon-6:00 p.m.

August 13: 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

August 14: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle/High School Registration

August 12th: for 9^th and 6^th grade—6:00-8:00 p.m.

August 13th: Noon-6:00 p.m.

Josie Rodgers: I am happy to report that my dad Jim is home! We brought him home from HealthSouth last Friday, and he even felt like making a visit to the beloved pond house that afternoon. The next morning, he ventured out to the Ridge Spring Farmers’ Market, and we had a celebratory dinner Sunday. We are so blessed! The road will not be easy, but it is much less painful than where he has been!

Josie Rodgers: What a blessing to live in a small community. Two of my former students dropped by to see me last Thursday. It was so wonderful to talk with them and see how their lives are progressing. I also have lots of former students on my Facebook page, and watching them and their families grow and prosper is such a joy.

Josie Rodgers: Each week at St. William Catholic Church, we have a different “commentator” who welcomes us and makes announcements at the conclusion of the service. Jack O’Brien has the most unique closing we’ve ever had. He always announces some upcoming (though fictitious) trip or activity that the senior members of the church are planning…bungee jumping, zip lining, and sky diving, to name a few. We all have a laugh as he so seriously tells us what other antics they are planning. Thanks, Jack, for the humor that keeps a smile on our faces all week! It’s time to get serious about those summer reading assignments. With only 4 weeks left until the first day of school, it’s time to get those books read! If you’re not sure if your child had a summer reading assignment, call the school!

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:30 pm; Fri 12:30 pm -4:30 pm; Sat 9 am -12:00 noon. The Ridge Spring Library always needs volunteers to help. They have also received donated books.

Every 2^nd & 4^th Monday: Kids' Corner Story Time 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Ridge Spring Library.

Every first Tuesday of the Month: AARS meets 685-5783

Every Wednesday: AA meets at Recovery Works

Every Monday & Friday: Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings 7:00 pm at Recovery Works, 2269 Ridge Spring Hwy. Please enter on Ponderosa Drive and park in the Visitor Parking Area.

Monday, July 14, 2014

July 14, 2014

Ridge Spring News

The Ridge Spring Farmers’ Market was filled up Saturday. We started slow and then we had several vendors to join us. We had two that sell only organic items. Smith Family blueberries were there and will be back this Saturday. Four vendors had corn and each was different and very fresh. Peaches are still coming in. Samantha is doing her baked goods, too. We began having customers at 7:30 and they kept coming until I sold out, packed up and left. I had the help of my grandson Carter. Come join us Saturday mornings beginning around 8:00 until…

Friends of Ridge Spring will meet at the Civic Center this ‘Thursday July 17^th at 5:00 PM. Sandwiches and drinks at 5:00 business meeting at 5:30, and presentation by Clemson University at 6:00 PM.

Off the Beaten Path will have their Open House on July 19 from 9:00 AM till 5:00 PM. Music, food, door prizes, and meet the vendors. They are the new business and are located at 200 DuBose Street with Studio 23 and Webb’s Photography. Check out the facebook page.

The Harvest Festival committee met Thursday July 8^th at the Library. Plans are in the works to make some changes, continue some things and work on improving the festival. Come join us and help with the 33^rd (I think) Festival.

Ridge Spring Library note: In our donated section we have received some hardback books by well-known authors maybe some you haven’t read.

Please notice there has been a change in the meeting place for NA and AA. Every Monday & Friday: Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings 7:00 pm at Recovery Works, 2269 Ridge Spring Hwy. Please enter on Ponderosa Drive and park in the Visitor Parking Area.

The Johnston Farmer's & Artist's Market is held each Thursday afternoon from 4 - 6 p.m. in front of the warehouse/library building on Calhoun Street brings you vendors each week offering fresh fruits & vegetables, delicious baked goods, locally made jellies, jams, and chow-chow. Also, prints, soaps, crafts and décor by local artists. Lion's Club brooms (house & warehouse) are also offered.

School is coming and will be here before you know it. Place these dates on your calendars.

Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary School Registration

August 12: Noon-6:00 p.m.

August 13: 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

August 14: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle/High School Registration

August 12th: for 9^th and 6^th grade—6:00-8:00 p.m.

August 13th: Noon-6:00 p.m.

Joanne Crouch, AARS president

Current officers are Joanne Crouch, president; D.S. Owens, vice-president; Donna Minor, secretary; and Barbara Yon, treasurer.

Barbara Yon, Donna Minor and Joanne Crouch had pieces juried into the Festival of Flowers in Greenwood. The exhibit will be on display at the Federal Building until July 3^rd.

First Thursday Needle Craft Night is Thursday, August 7th from 6:30-8:30. This is a free event for those who like to get together with needle art projects. Stumped on a needle art project???? Bring it in and maybe someone can offer assistance with your questions. This will be a monthly event.

Member DS Owens has received awards for 3 of his photographs at the 2014 Santee and Birding and Nature Festival.

AARS is excited to announce that Jim Harrison, well-known South Carolina artist, will have an artist reception at the Art Center on Sunday, October 5^th from 1:00-4:00. Original paintings, notecards and books will be available for sale. The public is invited and admission is free.

AARS is currently looking for an instructor to teach stained glass classes. We have the supplies available for the class. We are also looking for a pottery instructor to lead pottery class. Contact Joanne Crouch for more details at (803)685-5577 or email joanne.crouch26@gmail.com

Every 2^nd & 4^th Monday: Kids' Corner Story Time 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Ridge Spring Library.

Every first Tuesday of the Month: AARS meets 685-5783

Every Wednesday: AA meets at Recovery Works

Monday, July 7, 2014

July 7, 2014

Ridge Spring News

The Ridge Spring Farmers’ Market was a little slow this past Saturday with only 7 vendors present. Yet we all did well with the freshest produce around. Come join us Saturday mornings beginning around 8:00 until…

RIDGE ANTIQUES & DRY GOODS LLC: Bob and Jim want to thank all of our customers and dealers who made our time at Ridge Antiques & Dry Goods as owner and manager such a positive experience. You have enriched our lives in so many ways. We are taking many fond memories with us. We are wishing much continued success in the business as the ownership has passed to Denise L. Covington. Please stop by to see the wonderful merchandise she has for your consideration. We thank you all.

It is nice to hear of the law enforcement agencies in our area working together. Deputies with Aiken County Warrants Team asked for assistance from Chief Jarrod Goldman. With the assistance from Saluda County Sheriff's deputies all worked together. Good job done!!!

The Johnston Farmer's & Artist's Market is held each Thursday afternoon from 4 - 6 p.m. in front of the warehouse/library building on Calhoun Street brings you vendors each week offering fresh fruits & vegetables, boiled peanuts, delicious baked goods, locally made jellies, jams, and chow-chow. Also, prints, soaps, crafts and décor by local artists. Lion's Club brooms (house & warehouse) are also offered.

Samantha McClure: Ridge Spring Baptist Church's VBS SonTreasure Island was a success. Starting Sunday, July 22, with an attendance of 27 kids and ending the week with over 70. Ashleigh Forrest and Samantha McClure were blown away by this year’s VBS. The children collected over 300 rolls and toilet paper for West Virginia Coal Miners and around 50 boxes of children's Band-Aids for the Grace Oughton Cancer Foundation. The children learned about the world’s greatest treasure through 1 Corinthians 13.

You are cordially invited to celebrate 15 years with Pastor George W. Key and First Lady Jacqueline W. Key and the Church family on July 13, 2014 at 2:30 PM. The Celebration will be held at Mine Creek Baptist Church 1799 Johnston Hwy, Saluda, SC, 803.275.5194.

The banners purchased with ATAX money last year are back up. Thanks for putting them back up for us, Max Parrish and employees of the Town of RS,

Don’t forget Harriet’s Garden has quite a few Garden Buddies for sale.

Joe Watson’s story last week stirred some memoires. Here is one from Laura Walker. “What a fascinating column this week. I used to enjoy my mother's war stories. She grew up in a northern-England in a very industrialized city on the east coast of England facing the European continent. They were bombed regularly; she had many stories to tell about that. Some were funny. Some were sad, most were sad. In any event she "doctored" her birth certificate to appear older (she turned 16 the year the war ended in Europe) and at 16 she "ran away" to train as a nurse with the Royal Air Force. They sent her to work as a nurse in Germany in the post-war occupation. She told many stories about the American doctors she worked with and of course the wounded American GI's they cared for there. Later she was in Singapore treating casualties coming out of Korea. I've always been proud of her for doing her part. We are so lucky to know peace in our day to day lives. And we have many to thank for it!”

Joanne Crouch, AARS president

This year’s art camp, “Going Green at Art Camp”, was a great success. The camp was held Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (June 18-20) with an Artists’ Reception on Saturday. We had eager campers every day. The campers made two paper Zentangle Quilts. These pieces will be framed and will be exhibited in town. They were also taught basics of weaving for a wall hanging with a luffa gourd medallion. Each student learned about 3-D painting and faux stained glass painting using the Frank Lloyd Wright style in a window cling.

Current officers are Joanne Crouch, president; D.S. Owens, vice-president; Donna Minor, secretary; and Barbara Yon, treasurer.

Barbara Yon, Donna Minor and Joanne Crouch had pieces juried into the Festival of Flowers in Greenwood. The exhibit will be on display at the Federal Building until July 3^rd.

Member DS Owens has received awards for 3 of his photographs at the 2014 Santee and Birding and Nature Festival.

Every 2^nd & 4^th Monday: Kids' Corner Story Time 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Ridge Spring Library.

Every first Tuesday of the Month: AARS meets 685-5783

Every Wednesday: AA meets at Recovery Works

Every Monday & Friday: Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings 7:00 pm at The Ridge Spring Library

June 27, 2014

Ridge Spring News

70^th ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY—My father (Joe Cal Watson) and I (Mary Watson Edmonds) recently returned from a 10-day trip to

France

. The trip was dedicated to the veterans of the World War II liberation of Europe who served between D-Day (June 6, 1944) and the end of the war in Europe (May 8, 1945). Mrs. Jeanne Palyok of Columbia and her family raised funds for the trip, and Daddy, as a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge, was invited to go at no cost to him! Twenty-two veterans participated in the trip. Each veteran had a guardian, and I was Daddy’s. We toured sites in the Normandy region of

France

associated with D-Day. On D-Day, more than 160,000 Allied troops (mostly American, British, and Canadian) landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy. By the end of the day, more than 9,000 Allied troops were killed or wounded, but the Allies had gained a foothold on the European continent, allowing the Allies to advance to Germany. (The movie, The Longest Day, is a great way to learn about D-Day.)

Daddy and I both agreed that the trip was an experience of a lifetime. The veterans themselves were a wonderful part of the trip. We were able to hear stories of their experiences during the war while visiting the sites where many of the stories took place. For example, at Omaha Beach, one veteran told us that he knew things were going to be tough when his pocket with his mess kit was shot off soon after he landed on the beach. (Some 5,000 Americans were wounded, killed, or missing in action at Omaha Beach.) At Utah Beach, another veteran described his experiences as a medic ferrying wounded and dead soldiers back to England.

Another highlight of the trip was the way the veterans were embraced as heroes. The

D-Day 70^th Anniversary was a huge event in Normandy and people came from

Belgium

, England, Holland, and other European countries. Many homes and

businesses flew American, English, Canadian, and French flags. I think I saw more

American flags in Normandy than I see here on the Fourth of July. Everywhere we went

the veterans attracted a crowd. The local people and tourists made evident their appreciation for the American soldiers’ liberating them from the Nazis. I felt like I was

traveling with a movie star. Old people, young people, and children came up to thank

Daddy, ask questions about his experiences, get his autograph, kiss him on the cheek,

and take his picture. I was especially touched when one man thanked him and said, “I

was born in 1947, and because of you I was born free.”

One of the most moving experiences of the trip was attending a ceremony to

commemorate the liberation by American soldiers of the tiny village of Picauville.

Daddy and the other veterans were honored guests and sat on the front row. The

keynote speaker was Gen. Phillip Breedlove, the four-star general who is the supreme

commander of all NATO forces in Europe. Then the children of Picauville released red,

white, and blue balloons. Each balloon had the name of an American soldier who had

died during the liberation of the village. There must have been close to a hundred

balloons. One of the most inspiring moments was at the end of the ceremony when a

German Army band played the “Star Spangled Banner” and the veterans began singing

the words. After the ceremony, people were eager to meet and thank the veterans.

One older French lady had made some paintings and needlework pictures for the

American veterans. She asked Daddy—with the help of a lady who spoke English—to

choose one. He chose a picture she had painted of a “poissonnerie,” a fish shop, with

cats walking up to the door. He plans to display the painting, along with her photo at the

Nut House.

On June 6, we attended the 70^th Anniversary of D-Day ceremony at the American

Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach. More than 12,000 people attended the impressive and inspiring ceremony. Again the veterans were treated as dignitaries. We arrived early and waited in a white hospitality tent where we were given refreshments. Numerous members of Congress came to speak to the veterans. Congressman Hank Johnson of Georgia told Daddy that he was going to come by the Nut House. When we left to go to the plaza for the ceremony, an active duty American soldier escorted each veteran to the stage where the American and French presidents would sit. Daddy met a soldier with the last name of Tolen from Batesburg. Both French President Hollande and President Obama made excellent speeches. They recognized how the sacrifices American soldiers made for people they didn’t even know changed the course of history. After the ceremony, President Hollande and President Obama shook each veteran’s hand, including Daddy’s. (Later, another veteran said that Obama’s hand was skinny and that he needs to “put some meat on his bones.”) There are 9,387 American soldiers buried at the cemetery. There is also a wall with the names of 1,557 soldiers whose remains were never found. Daddy reminded me that Guy Fallow of Ridge Spring was killed in the invasion, but he is buried in Ridge Spring. The parents could choose to have their sons brought home.

I would have to write a book to describe all of our interesting experiences, the many kind people we met, and the delicious food we ate. Our travels included a day in Paris where we went up in the Eiffel Tower and took a dinner cruise on the Seine. I will end, however, with another experience in Normandy that Daddy and I will never forget. We visited the village of Sainte Mere Eglise where the 82^ndand 101^st American paratroopers landed on D-Day. Many of them lost their lives in liberating the town. The parachute of one paratrooper, John Steele, was caught on the church steeple and he hung limply and “played dead” for two hours during the fighting. He was captured by the Germans, but escaped and rejoined his division. A model of the paratrooper hangs on the steeple today. On our visit to Sainte Mere Eglise, we attended a dinner for the “Amis des Veterans Americains” (Friends of American Veterans). There were over 1,000 people at the dinner. From the welcome given to the veterans, you would have thought the war happened five years ago. Daddy kept saying, “I can’t believe they are doing all this for us after 70 years.”

U.S. Airways treated the veterans like royalty both leaving Charlotte and returning.

When we flew back into Charlotte, for example, the pilot announced that most of the

airline employees were standing on the tarmac with flags. We had a police escort on

the way back to Columbia and fire departments had raised tremendous flags on some

of the overpasses. When our bus returned to our final destination at Northeast

Presbyterian Church, we were greeted by a large crowd. Daddy and I were happy to

see Marie and Donnie Asbill, who had come out to help greet us.

Daddy and I are grateful to Jeanne Palyok, the wonderful lady who--with the help of her

family---sponsored this tour. She worked in graves registration at the American Cemetery after World War II. There she recognized firsthand the enormous sacrifice made by American soldiers to liberate Europe. This trip was her gift to World War II veterans. I was personally proud and honored to have had the opportunity to accompany Daddy and other members of the Greatest Generation on this memorable trip.