Flags flew all over the Town of Fincastle and on the morning of Nov. 11, residents filled the hillside in recollection of Veterans.  Organized by Carol Brenner and Cathy Benson, with many volunteers and three  town churches pastors involved, attendees participated in a Veterans Day  Service in Godwin Cemetery. A new flag was raised on top of the hill by Kip Burton and Jim Helms as Boy Scouts lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Three  ministers, Rev. Stephen Stanley of St. Marks Episcopal Church, Rev. Sandara McMillen of Fincastle United Methodist Church and Rev. Dr. Ian Mclain of Fincastle Presbyterian Church prayed for all veterans, alive and dead, for the country and for the future.

Col. Joseph Johnson, USAF, retired was the  keynote speaker  on the wars of yesterday and today. Col Todd Dodson, US Army, retired acted as master of ceremonies.

Kaitlin Dodson of LBHS  and Julia Ewen of JRHS choirs,  lead the assembly of over 100 in the singing of “America the Beautiful.” In a poignant moment during the McMillen prayer, a fly over by two large V  formations of  Canada Geese added a God sighting moment to the Veterans remembrance.

Boy Scouts and leaders from Troop 137 in Troutville read hundreds of names gathered in weeks prior to the event.  Caleb White of the Lord Botetourt High School band played “Taps”  on his trumpet after a moment of silence.  Lynn Bolton a Fincastle resident, with her beautiful voice sang a capella  ” God Bless America.” Finally, church bells from the three churches pealed across the peaceful hillside as attendees  departed for church services around town.