Memorial Day 2012

Over the course of the past few years, I have gained an even greater appreciation for the sacrifice and contributions made by our veterans.  I have conducted hours of research of local veterans who are buried in Horry County and I have been so impressed with their tireless heroic and often forgotten actions.  Many of these veterans gave their lives in battle in defense of the ideals that we as a nation hold sacred.  Some warriors returned from battle to live out their days in small towns resuming their lives from before the war.  Some of their battle scars were physical, some were mental or psychological, and some returned carrying the burden of war on their faces.  All should have returned with our collective hands held high to welcome them back.  But not all did.  Our veterans deserve to be recognized.

As this group of high school students works to honor the veterans of Horry County, I am inspired by their efforts.  Not many students can truly appreciate an undertaking such as this.  This group puts their lives on hold for a few hours during their semester to do the right thing and support our veterans and recognize the contributions made by previous generations. I am honored to work with a such a great group of students from all over the county.

Over the course of the past three months, our group has planned for a great celebration to honor the memory of fallen veterans on Memorial Day.  Small groups have been responsible for researching cemeteries to find out who is buried in different cemeteries, fundraising to buy more flags to place in honor of their sacrifice, and executing their plan to honor our veterans.  In a few weeks, our group will again go out into the community and quietly remember our fallen heroes.

Spring Campaign 2012

Our group has entered into a new phase of our project as we move forward in 2012. We have selected a new leadership team that will be making some critical decisions as to what the next step will be. Some students have expressed interest in collaborating with veteran organizations to share stories, working with veterans in the community, and garnering more support from the community and veterans for veterans.

The group has some new and exciting ideas for 2012 and we are expecting great things. Please make sure to check out our project on Facebook and follow our blog for upcoming events and fundraising opportunities.

Veterans Day 2011

Our Freedom Fighters Project placed flags at the graves of several more veterans all around Horry County, South Carolina. Our group was able to expand our search and contribute to areas often forgotten, away from the larger cemeteries. Regardless of the location in the county, we wanted to recognize service to our country and pay our respects for their sacrifice and dedication to our nation and the values we hold dear.

We were able to raise quite a bit of money through the making and selling of bracelets and other fundraisers to promote our cause and purchase the much needed flags for our project. The students worked tirelessly for the cause.

In the spring, we will continue our fundraising efforts and our efforts to remember those who have fought, served, and represented our country. Our goal is to reach even more cemeteries and families.