This is Memorial Day weekend and our thoughts and prayers turn to the men and women serving or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
We have lived through several wars. We do not like wars. Memories remain that are painful and will never go away.
We remember the day that James B. (Joe) Frazier left the valley to volunteer for service in the U.S. Army never to see the valley again. During World War II, his commanding officer was killed, he took charge of his company and won the battle. For his action of bravery, he was awarded the Bronze and Silver Stars. He was wounded and received the Purple Heart. He was uneducated but brave.
He lived to come back to California, but died at an early age of a heart attack. He was the son of the late Homer and Laura Frazier.
Gary Cripps son of Jim Cripps and the late Carl Cripps of the Dry Creek Valley was drafted into the U.S.A. Army, served in Vietnam, wounded badly. He was awarded the Silver Star and received the Purple Heart. Gary suffered from wounds to his leg until he died several years ago. Wanda Cripps of Mt. Juliet is his widow and Angie Royalty is his daughter.
Our son, Joe Ronald Frazier, alumnus of M.T.S.U., Murfreesboro, was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols, special four- to six-men teams in the Vietnam War on highly dangerous special operations and missions deep into enemy territory. He was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery, and the Army Commendation Metal with “V” (Bronze Valor Device) for heroism. Rita Fuson Frazier of Hermitage is his widow.
James Calvin “Butch” Thomason, son of Joe Thomason, was born and reared in the Frazier Hollow of Dry Creek Valley and was a casualty of the Vietnam War. He was killed on Feb. 23, 1968, at the age of 20.
One man still living on a farm in the Dry Creek Valley who went to World War II and returned home is Roscoe Frazier. Other boys of Mr. Doug Frazier were also veterans.
The number goes on and on. Those are just a few of the boys who volunteered or were drafted into the military service from the beautiful Dry Creek Valley.
The late Carl Cripps, “Nicky” Cripps, Alvie Mullican and Woodrow Wilson Frazier all were in the U.S. Navy during World War II. They served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater.
Going back in time, the Dry Creek Valley had one man, John Ayers, in the Spanish-American War. He and Mrs. Ayers were parents of Jim Cripps, Brigham Ayers, Joe Ayers and the late Edward Ayers.
Mr. Willie Owens, father of Bro. Donald Owens, served in the U.S. Army in World War I.
There are hundreds more brave and courageous men who gladly served in the military to protect our freedom in America.
Today, we pause and give thanks to our troops and pray for their protection and for peace in a puzzled world.
Congratulations to the D.C.H.S. graduating class of 2013. Set goals for your future, believe in yourself, and work hard to reach those goals. Do your own work, you will appreciate it later on in life. Enjoy your future and spend it wisely. Love what you have chosen to do. Have pride in whatever you have chosen.
Jerald Cripps and Lisa Cripps, Jordon and Nicole Cripps and Christian were in Murfreesboro, Saturday evening to visit Matthew and Melody Cripps and baby Owen.
Sunday dinner guests at the home of Louise Frazier were Monica Reynolds and Levi of Alexandria; Jim and Judy Kimbrell of Old Mill Hill Road; Jordan and Nicole Cripps and Christian and Ricky and Kathy Hendrix of Dry Creek.
The Frazier family is looking forward to a visit from Master Sgt. Wayne F. Fuson and wife, Deborah Frazier Fuson, of Cabot, Ark. They will spend a week with the family in the valley and visit relatives in Smithville.
Ricky and Kathy Hendrix attended a birthday celebration at the home of Tucker and Carol Hendrix in Smithville Saturday evening.
Bobby and Mary Joines are doing well this week. We send best wishes to these neighbors.
Dates to remember at Dry Creek Baptist are on June 6-8 Vacation Bible School will be held 5-7 nightly; and on June 30 Homecoming will begin with 10 a.m. Sunday school, 10:45 worship service and Bro. Carl Smith, former pastor, will be preaching and dinner will be at noon.
Attention-Don’t forget Homecoming June 30. We hope to see former members and people who love Dry Creek Baptist Church and this beautiful valley that it has served over 120 years. Bro. Don Owens, pastor.