Honoring Our Soldiers
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Vern and Imogene Clark have set up a Memorial in their front yard to honor our American troops fighting and dying in Iraq.
Vern and Imogene Cark live on Kemp Bridge Road in Acworth, Ga., just off Highway 41.It used to be a somewhat isolated road until a Super Wal-Mart opened on the other side of 41. Now hundreds of cars are in and out every day. A large banner in the Clark’s yard reads,” Pray For Our Heroes and Thank Them.” and two smaller ones list the number of causalities, one reading,”3/11 victim toll 2752, the other one updated several times a week tracks the number of our troops killed in Iraq. 300 small American flags have the names of our troops killed in Iraq, with a connection to Georgia. Many more small flags have been placed by passers-by and visitors from all parts of the country.
“Politics or the president doesn’t matter” said Vern Clark.” The men and women dying in Iraq are the ones who matter.” “The people leave notes, wine and flowers all the time. We couldn’t take it down if we wanted to.”
Acworth Mayor Tommy Allgoode said the yard is an inspiration to him and a proud part of Acworth’s landscape.” I ride by it every day. It’s a reminder to me and the community of the sacrifices that are made for us. Every time I’m in the car with someone, and we see it, they always comment on what a powerful statement it makes.
Vern served in the Gulf war and his daughter served in the military.” War changes you. It changed Vern. I don’t care who you voted for or who you will vote for, I just care that you care about these soldiers.” said Imogene.
The Clarks knew that had made a public statement when they held a Memorial Day cookout for some of their friends. The decorations had only been up a few days. “We had about 70 people come to the party and 20 or 30 we didn’t know.” Vern Clark said. They just stopped by to say thanks, and we invited them to stay. We had people come by and bring us wine that didn’t want to bother us at the party, but please take this.
A few people have left less than flattering notes, and people have pulled up in the yard and asked: why? It’s a question the Clarks welcome. They just want to honor our Heroes who are fighting, and dying for all of us who are safe at home. They want us to say thank you.
20 Comments
Thank you for this. Our church has collected names of troops active in Afghanistan and Iraq for their Project Safely Home prayer guide. When a soldier is called up of which someone is aware, he or she is placed on the list and remains there until they come home safely. A small group of people have committed to praying everyday for them by name.
We hate bloody americans all you die no honor go die lose mother, father or brother or sister then understanding
I hate to see such comments as the one above, I’m sorry and I apoligize for someone who is so corrupted by religion.
We should get down on our knees to thank our brave soldiers who are fighting and dying for us. I for one thank them every day and pray for them every night.I hope all who read this will follow suit. Thank you for reminding us.
War is horrible for all those who are waiting for loved ones. I pray for peaceful resolutions!
A great article! It puts you in a more sober mood, doesn’t it?
Like Amos I too hate to see how people are corrupted by religion. In the Americas we have a choice to believe however we choose. I would not want to live in a country where I did not have a choice.
Religion can be destructive when you only have one idea to lead you.We should keep our mind open and unencumbered by legends.
We should all uphold our brave soldiers who are giving their lives for us. I pray for them every day, and I pray our president will bring them all home soon.
I pray for all our soldiers too. I will always be grateful to them and their families for their loss.
I pray for all our soldiers too. I will always be grateful to them and their families for their loss.
Its a great thing the prople in Acworth have done to honor our soldiers. I salute them and I also pray every day for our brave service men and women.
I commented on this long ago, but I must have gotten my security string wrong. Ruby, your work is beautiful. Never stop writing.
Thanks for such a moving story and for the honor given to our troops. I thank them every day, and I think you for bringing it to our attention.
Just think – our soldiers died for Iraqi’s right to free speech – what a waste! If you don’t love America – LEAVE! A great country should be judged on how many want IN and how few want OUT! Well said by Tony Blair! God Bless Our Troops and our Right to HONOR THEM!
Beautiful, touching article. Thank you for sharing it.
Best wishes.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
I want to think everyone for their in-put, I’m sorry I haven’t done it earlier. In fact I did put a comment on here but it was taken off, I guess by Triond.It is a subject close to my heart. I have two grandsons in the Army. One in Iraq on his second tour now, and another back from Iraq at Fort Hood TExas. Again, thanks to everyone.
Ruby, I thank you and I admire you for standing up for our sons and daughters. I lost a son in Iraq and I pray you will never know the loss of your grandsons. God bless you.
Super article, I always keep a ‘yellow ribbon’ on the back of my car. Every car wash I remove it, sometimes I forget and it’s lost. A ‘Support our Troops’ ribbon will always be another reminder. I give donation as well, they have given and continue to give so much for us.
Tress I am so sorry for your loss, I know your sorrow is unimaginable to us whose children and grandchildren are still with us. Thank you so much for your good wishes.
This is such a touching story. I give them a huge salute and thank you for telling us about it.