LITTLE RIVER, SC (WBTW) – People across the country are honoring those who served this Memorial Day, including veterans on the Grand Strand.
Dan Farley is a veteran with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Little River post, and he also serves as the Post Quartermaster. Farley served many years in the military, and he said it’s a tough experience physically and mentally, so it’s important they work to support all veterans when they return home from service. “I’ve seen some of my own men fall in battle, and it’s a very emotional, heart-wrenching experience,” said Farley.
Over the weekend, they handed out Poppy Flowers in different parts of the Grand Strand to raise awareness and collect donations for veterans and local JROTC programs. Farley said the significance of the Poppy Flower is that it was the only flower to still grow on the battlefield during World War I.
He said as the local members get older, they have to work harder to let people know there are veterans who may not have family and may need help. “There’s less and less of us that are reminding the public that this is a very important cause,” said Farley. “It’s up to us veterans that are still in the VFW’s, American Legions, and Marine Corp Leagues to educate the public and make everybody aware of how significant this day is.”
As a tribute to those who served, the Little River VFW and the American Legion Post are holding a Memorial Day ceremony at 11 a.m. It’s at the VFW post in Little River on 111 Highway 57 N. Anyone is welcome to attend and there will be a reception following the ceremony.
