Honoring Those Who Gave All Story and photo by Greg Kristapovich
Weblo 1 scout Jonathan Skelly of Soulsbyville.
“In the spring of 2003, my Daughter, Major Susan Arnold and her husband, LTC Hank Arnold were part of the land invasion of Iraq,” revealed Don Escalier, giving the keynote Memorial Day speech in Twain Harte. “This document certifies that, (this flag), United States Flag #003 flew over the famed Rakkasans of 2nd Battalion 187th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division in Sinjar, Iraq, thirty miles from the Syrian border in Northwest Iraq at the edge of civilization on 08 August, 2003. Hank wants you all to know that war is not all about fighting. His battalion helped stabilize and provide humanitarian assistance in Northern Iraq, to some 350,000 Iraqis in 89 different towns and villages…My daughter, now LTC Arnold, is presently serving at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, as the lead military attorney as part of a State Department team putting together the security agreement between the U.S. and the new Iraqi government. My son-in-law, now Col. Arnold, is commander of an infantry brigade in Ft. Riley, KS, soon to be deployed to Northern Iraq. Please accept this flag from both of them, as well as from all of our active military around the world. Thank you and may God bless America.” With that, the flag was raised, in honor of all those American servicemen and women who lost their lives in the Iraq struggle. Pictured, left to right are Gloria Escalier and husband Don. During a very moving Twain Harte Memorial Day ceremony, patriotic songs were sung and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Jonathan Skelly, 10, of Soulsbyville, a Weblo 1 scout, (pictured) was one of the members of Cub Scout Pack #71 passing out small American flags. What does Memorial Day mean to this young man? Here, are Jonathan’s own words: Well, both my grandpas were in a war. My Grandpa on my dad’s side was in WWII and Korea. My grandpa on my mom’s side was in the Vietnam War. So I cherish this day, looking at what the veterans have given us. Each day, I know that they die with honor; knowing that they did something for our country. I hope you will honor them, too.”
Gloria and Don Escalier who introduced the Twain Harte Memorial Day flag for 2009.
