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12 veterans honored with U.S. flags

Richmond County Daily Journal - 7/5/2017

July 05--HAMLET -- A dozen "real American heroes" were honored with flags during a ceremony at Touch of Grace Free Will Baptist Church on Tuesday.

The Rev. Tim Watson, associated with Christian Veterans of America, organized the event and invited Congressman Robert Pittenger, R-Charlotte, assist in handing out the boxed-up U.S. flags, which had flown over the capitol building in Washington, D.C.

Some of the recipients were present, though others were not, including two who died in service.

"I can't tell you why I decided on 12 veterans," Watson said at the beginning of the ceremony, adding that it related to the 12 men chosen by Christ to "turn the world around."

"Our nation is a result of those 12," he said.

The first flag went to a married couple, George and Diane Painter.

The second was in honor of C.S. Wright, who died six months after he joined the U.S. Army in World War II.

The third flag was for Rockingham native John Barker and his son Johnny and the fourth for Mike Hall.

Next up were Edward Runner and Rusty Jarvis of West Virginia, followed by Raymond Hall.

Craig Northacker of Vets-Help.org was also present and received a flag. Northacker recently tried to purchase Rockingham Speedway with plans to create a center to help veterans reintegrate into society after service.

Although he missed the initial ceremony, Fred Best, of Clinton, eventually arrived, received his flag and posed with Pittenger for a photo. According to Watson, Best served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was injured in a fall due to both of his feet being frozen.

Another flag was dedicated in the memory of J.C. Henry, who was the brother of Watson's mother-in-law. Henry was killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor.

The final veteran to receive a flag was John Daniel, husband of Richmond County Clerk of Superior CourtVickie Daniel, who sang the national anthem at the beginning of the ceremony and joined him on stage at the end.

"A lot of times," Vickie Daniel said before singing the Star-Spangled Banner, "we forget the freedom and the price that was payed."

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