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Veterans honored in Pembroke
pem-vets

Without veterans, there would be no freedom.

That was the message on a picture perfect Saturday in Pembroke, where some 70 people attended a Veterans Day program sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 164 and Boy Scout Troop 357.

"I ask that each and every one of you on Wednesday, Nov. 11 -- if you don’t do it at any other time of the year -- if you see a veteran go up and thank them," said Jana Smolinsky, first vice president of Auxiliary Unit 164. "What they’ve done is enable you and I to do what we want to do."

During the ceremony three more flags were dedicated to Pembroke veterans – Hollis Bazemore, Ivy Beardslee and Charles Russell.

Bazemore served in the Coast Guard in World War II .

"His family was honored to be present at the dedication of a flag in his memory," said his niece, Brenda Smith. "He is loved and missed dearly."

Beardslee was a member of the Women’s Army Corps during World War II and, with her husband Paul Beardslee, also a WWII veteran, founded Pembroke Telephone.

"This truly is an honor for our family," said Beardslee’s daughter, Jeanne McCormick. "Serving our country in the military was very important to both of our parents and the service has continued with their grandchildren and their spouses. Today was very special and touching to see a flag in honor of our mother added to Pembroke’s flag display. She always loved to see the flags up throughout the year. That coupled with the pride she had for our country and our community made was a very fitting tribute."

McCormick and her sister Mary Anna Hite were also honored by the Auxiliary for the support given to the organization and the program by Pembroke Telephone.

Russell, a Vietnam veteran, had no family members at the event -- during which Boy Scouts and Auxiliary members explained the difference between Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day.

The former is to honor all veterans while Memorial Day is reserved for honoring those who died in war.

Prisoners of war and those missing in action were remembered as well.

"Remember they depend on us to keep their memories alive," said Scoutmaster Dave Williams, an Air Force veteran. "Please honor and remember them."

There was also a reminder of the recent shooting on Fort Hood.

-Read more in the Bryan County News.

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