Keeping their memory alive

Miniature American flags can now be seen flapping in the wind across Luketown, Knights of Pythias, Franklin Memory Gardens and Old Town cemeteries thanks to the efforts of the Rev. Charles Dale and many others who gathered on the morning of Nov. 11, Veterans Day, to honor the black veterans who found their final resting place in those cemeteries.

Dale said this is the first time these veterans have been formally recognized by a group. The participants took the care and time to mark each grave of a known veteran with a flag.

“It’s past time to honor and recognize them. It’s never been done before,” Dale said.

Veterans who were honored served in World War I, World War II and the Korean War, among others.

One Army veteran, Adam Stanford, holds a special place in the hearts of Dale and William Hamilton – a veteran himself.

“I told (Stanford’s) son that I would place a flag for him. It’s one of the first graves I stopped at,” Hamilton said.

Stanford, Dale explained, was a teacher and principal at Reedtown High School. Dale and Hamilton were both students of Stanford’s.

“He was a mentor and a great role model to many students, including myself,” Hamilton said.