This flag was planted next to the grave of Albert A. Kirby, who served during World War I.
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Legion, vets plant flags at Clinton cemeteries
One of the volunteers Avis Stevens, left, plants flags in the ground next to U.S. Marine Corps veteran Darryl Price.
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NAACP’s Vada Williams, left, and Helen Faison, unit president of the American Legion Auxiliary, plant a flag at Hezekiah Best’s grave.
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These three veterans were laid to rest beside one another at Sandhill. The graves belong to Edward B. Goodman and William A. Blue, both of the U.S. Army, and James E. Eddington of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Michael B. Hardison | Sampson Independent
Helen Faison hands a bundle of flags to Avis Stevens, who was volunteering that day.
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This was the scene at both Sandhill and Hillcrest as volunteers, veterans and American Legion members planted flags in memory of the fallen.
Michael B. Hardison | Sampson Independent
The was a portion of the flag planters who were out Tuesday planting flags in honor of veterans.
Michael B. Hardison | Sampson Independent
Helen Faison, unit president of the American Legion Auxiliary, was planting an extra special flag here. This was the gravesite of her late husband Willie Faison, a proud member of the U.S. Army.
Michael B. Hardison | Sampson Independent
Looking out across Sandhill and Hillcrest, a sea of flags honoring veterans was on full display. There were approximately 420 flags in total.
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Air National Guard veteran Rev. Thaddeus Godwin was with Jerome Warren, commander of the American Legion Post 319, planting these flags at Sandhill.
Michael B. Hardison | Sampson Independent
CLINTON — Patriotic American flags were blowing proudly in the wind on Tuesday afternoon as loved ones of veterans past were out honoring their sacrifice ahead of Memorial Day.
On that day members from both the American Legion Auxiliary and Post 319, along with volunteers from the community planted flags in those veterans memories. This is a annual event that’s been going on for years by these groups. That afternoon they traveled to Sandhill and Hillcrest where they spent over two hours placing flags at the graves.
After all that time they still didn’t finish placing them at every grave before running out of flags. By the time they finished 420 had been placed and they still missed graves at Hillcrest which they plan to revisit after restocking.
Helen Faison, unit president of the American Legion Auxiliary, along with Jerome Warren, commander of the American Legion Post 319 where once again among the individuals that stayed all day to plant flags.
The two of them would share their thoughts on being out in field again honoring the veterans they both love dearly.
“Like I always say were have our freedom but freedom is not free,” Faison said. “A lot of people think that but again it is not free. If not for the ones buried out here we could be suffer same as the people over in Ukraine and that is a tragedy.”
“Either way, I just enjoy volunteering, going and giving and that what we’re about serving,” she continued. “That goes for anyone in the armed forces not just veterans, all long as they’re serving or have served we’re going to honor them.”
While Faison isn’t a veteran herself her loving husband of 56 years, Willie Faison, was a proud member of the U.S. Army and passed away in September of 2021.
“Just to be thankful is enough for me to be out here because it’s thanks to our veterans that I’m able to be enjoying this day,” Warren said. “As a veterans that’s still here this is one way for me to repay them for all they’ve done.”
“I just hope that one day the next generation will be out here doing the same for me,” he added. “For right now I just feel honored to here honoring them. As I look at these names and the time periods they served we actually get to walk among American History, what else could I feel but honored.”
Board of Commissioners Rev. Thaddeus Godwin was another among the many veterans that were out planting flags. Godwin was a member of the Air National Guard for over 20 years. He’d share what it meant to him being a part of this occasion honoring his comrades.”
“It’s a blessing that we had Americans that fought on the battlefield for our freedom,” he said. “Walking around we noticed there was World War I, World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans laying out here. Now there’s guys out here as well who fought in Desert Shield and Desert Storm.”
”What this says is that we have freedom because somebody gave their life and shared their blood for us,” Godwin continued. “Our families have something very important to do now and that’s to remember what they did — not only the families but America. If they put on the uniform and fought for us, that means they gave their life and their blood for us and we want to give them thanks.”
“Coming up is Memorial Day and we thank God that on Memorial Day, we can remember what somebody took to honor us,” he added. “So in turn we will honor them on Memorial Day. We give God the glory and honor for these lives that was lost but yet these lives that helped save us so that we might be free.”
Faison also noted that while they were able to plant over 400 flags the process is getting harder. She has been president for over 20 years and her age, those of the veterans and organizers are wearing them down. That being the case she’s reaching out for help from any that are in good health for support.
For those that don’t know, the American Legion Auxiliary is a group of devoted women that support The American Legion. Both are a group that strives to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. They advocate for veterans, educate citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.
To find out more information or to inquire about joining Faison said to contact her 910-990-1319.
Reach Michael B. Hardison at 910-249-4231. Follow us on Twitter at @SamsponInd, like us on Facebook, and check out our Instagram at @thesampsonindependent.