Fallen Hero
"We think back to that field of battle in Korea, almost 60 years ago. On a hot July day, the sky filled with enemy fire, "HEAVY enemy fire," the official citation reads. Virgil Boyd Adkins rose above the danger to his own life to save the lives of others.
"And when retreat was sounded, Private Adkins volunteered to stay behind and provide cover for his fellow troops.
"Private Adkins met that measure more than once on that summer day. That he summoned the inner strength, the gallantry, to protect his buddies, so they could live another day to promote the cause of freedom, should not surprise any West Virginian. Here among our hills, still to this day, we nurture the roots of gallantry displayed by Private Adkins."
These words from Congressman Nick Rahall, the keynote speaker during a memorial service, Friday, Aug. 17, 2012, for Virgil Adkins touched those in the audience that had gathered in the Memorial Building to honor a fallen Summers County hero.
Virgil Adkins was only 21 when he gave his life on the battle field and now "belongs to eternity," Commission President Jerry Berry said. "Neither this country - nor the values that we were founded upon - could exist without brave Americans like Private Virgil Adkins, who confront our adversaries abroad so we do not have to face them here at home. Their life's work is our security and the freedom that we to often take for granted. Every evening that the sun sets on our tranquil town; every dawn that a flag is unfurled; every moment that an American enjoys life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness - that is their legacy. And that is why we must pay tribute to their stories."
And it's of "vital importance," Hinton Mayor Joe Blankenship told the audience, "that people today not forget the sacrifice made by those of yesterday. Because if we forget the price they paid, we will forget that freedom is not free."
Virgil Adkins death 59-years-ago, went unnoticed in July 1953 to all except his family when, just 10-days later, all America would be rejoicing that the war in Korea had come to an end. His body was never recovered and no service was performed to mark his passing.
The service Friday included full military honors with his sister Jane Spade joining others on the stage to pay respect for Summers County's fallen hero. His former wife, Sarah Gill, was in the hospital with surgery scheduled that day and could not attend. In her absence Congressman Rahall presented a U. S. Flag that had flown over the U. S. Capitol to her daughter, Christine, asking her to pass it on to her mother.
He was the son of the late James and Bertha Mae Bowden Adkins, He had two brothers, the late Harold "Buster" Adkins and the late Carl Wilford Adkins. His sisters, along with Jane Spade were the late Margaret Bennett and Ruby Ann Barbb.
The service included the unveiling of a veteran's "In Memory" marker obtained by state historian Russell Bennett that has been placed with a homemade marker in the Adkins plot at Hill Top Cemetery.
What follows is the complete text of Congressman Nick Rahall's speech.
Were we citizens of many foreign and distant lands, today might end without a passing thought of a forgotten soldier in a forgotten war.
But, as the beautiful new take on the old hymn, Amazing Grace, we heard earlier says, "What once was lost now is found." Democracy in our Republic gives each of us the power to choose. The freedom to choose is a powerful force.
It is true that the many freedoms we enjoy may well allow us to choose to forget – every once in a great while – our Nation's fundamental foundations.
But the freedoms we depend upon, also grant us the power to discover. And, every July 4th, as we celebrate our Declaration of Independence its principal author said, freedoms allow us "to pursue truth, wherever it may lead."
Today is a celebration for one who defended our freedoms. One who defended our rights by taking personal responsibility to serve our Nation and to serve truth by pursuing it. That precious gift is one prized by a free press.
Fred Long understands that the power of the pen quite naturally helps the power of the purse. Fred has helped organize today's ceremony with a noteworthy host committee. So we thank, Fred; Russell Bennett; Mayor Blankenship and the City of Hinton; the Summers County Commission and President Berry; and the many individuals and organizations listed in the program for contributing to and coming together for this ceremony to recall, remember and relate to future generations a valuable lesson from our past.
A few months ago, a band of veterans who have lived some of those lessons of the past, arrived in their nation's capitol aboard an Honor Flight from West Virginia. For most of these decorated veterans, it was the first time they would see the memorials erected in their honor.
I told them that, without their service, the U.S. Capitol building, heck, even the whole Capitol city might not well exist. Down from the Capitol building on the great mall between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial resides a war memorial.
Once described as the forgotten war, the Korean War had far too many hard fought battles to ever justify a title like that. The service and sacrifice of those enlisted in our cause will live on enshrined forever in the fitting and solemn granite and bronze memorial built in their honor.
I reminded our veterans that on the granite wall of this memorial was carved a lesson for the ages with these words, "Freedom is not free."
Here in Hinton, a once forgotten soldier is now, and rightly so, a cause to celebrate as long as freedom rings. The short life, the long legacy, and the eternal lesson of Virgil Boyd Adkins will be enshrined here.
Today, we memorialize a young Mountaineer and a moment in which he cared more about his fellow troops than himself. Through my office, we were able to secure a number of medals and decorations to justly honor his selfless acts.
One award particularly defines his heroics, the Silver Star, the third highest military honor a soldier can receive. With its presentation, Private Adkins joins the ranks of John "Black Jack" Pershing, Omar Bradley, Jimmy Doolittle, and Norman Schwarzkopf.
It is a noble medal with a red, white and blue ribbon reflecting Old Glory's colors. Below it proudly hangs a five pointed gold star. In its center, rests a silver star atop a sunburst of rays extending to a wreath of laurel, the ancient symbol of victory.
On the medal's reverse side are only four words. It reads simply, "For gallantry in action." Gallantry, a word we seldom use. It is one of the few we reserve to match the highest standard of human conduct.
We think back to that field of battle in Korea, almost 60 years ago. On a hot July day, the sky filled with enemy fire, "HEAVY enemy fire," the official citation reads. Virgil Boyd Adkins rose above the danger to his own life to save the lives of others.
And when retreat was sounded, Private Adkins volunteered to stay behind and provide cover for his fellow troops.
While the whereabouts of his Earthly remains may be known only to God, let his courage and commitment to our cause remain forever etched on the hearts of freedom-loving people everywhere.
A great general – MacArthur – once said, "However horrible the incidents of war may be, the soldier who is called upon to offer and to give his life for his country is the noblest development of mankind."
Private Adkins met that measure more than once on that summer day. That he summoned the inner strength, the gallantry, to protect his buddies, so they could live another day to promote the cause of freedom, should not surprise any West Virginian. Here among our hills, still to this day, we nurture the roots of gallantry displayed by Private Adkins.
Though those of us here have faced severe, even life threatening challenges, especially of late. Our challenges, more often than not, pale in comparison to those born in the theater of war. But, when you grow up where you can count on neighbor helping neighbor as sure as you can on the next sunrise, it sticks with you. Those solid roots let us stand tall. It is a virtue that continues to serve us so well.
When we send a soldier off to war, he or she does not go alone. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, grandparents and children all go to war with their loved ones. Spouses serve and sacrifice right along with their husbands and wives.
So today, we honor Private Adkins' sister, Jane Spade, and his widow, Sarah Gill. Jane and Sarah, a grateful Nation thanks you for the sacrifice you made in sharing one of our most gallant sons. To all of Private Adkins' family and friends, we owe a debt of gratitude that, as a nation, can never truly be repaid.
Each of us here takes on an added civic responsibility from this day forward. Each time we pass the memorial marker honoring Virgil Boyd Adkins, we should pause for a moment and point to his memorial marker and share the story of his gallantry with our friends and family.
It's up to us to remind them that it is because of Virgil, and all those who wear our Nation's uniform, we live and enjoy the fruits of freedom.
God bless each of you and God bless America.
Thank you.
"We think back to that field of battle in Korea, almost 60 years ago. On a hot July day, the sky filled with enemy fire, "HEAVY enemy fire," the official citation reads. Virgil Boyd Adkins rose above the danger to his own life to save the lives of others.
"And when retreat was sounded, Private Adkins volunteered to stay behind and provide cover for his fellow troops.
"Private Adkins met that measure more than once on that summer day. That he summoned the inner strength, the gallantry, to protect his buddies, so they could live another day to promote the cause of freedom, should not surprise any West Virginian. Here among our hills, still to this day, we nurture the roots of gallantry displayed by Private Adkins."
These words from Congressman Nick Rahall, the keynote speaker during a memorial service, Friday, Aug. 17, 2012, for Virgil Adkins touched those in the audience that had gathered in the Memorial Building to honor a fallen Summers County hero.
Virgil Adkins was only 21 when he gave his life on the battle field and now "belongs to eternity," Commission President Jerry Berry said. "Neither this country - nor the values that we were founded upon - could exist without brave Americans like Private Virgil Adkins, who confront our adversaries abroad so we do not have to face them here at home. Their life's work is our security and the freedom that we to often take for granted. Every evening that the sun sets on our tranquil town; every dawn that a flag is unfurled; every moment that an American enjoys life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness - that is their legacy. And that is why we must pay tribute to their stories."
And it's of "vital importance," Hinton Mayor Joe Blankenship told the audience, "that people today not forget the sacrifice made by those of yesterday. Because if we forget the price they paid, we will forget that freedom is not free."
Virgil Adkins death 59-years-ago, went unnoticed in July 1953 to all except his family when, just 10-days later, all America would be rejoicing that the war in Korea had come to an end. His body was never recovered and no service was performed to mark his passing.
The service Friday included full military honors with his sister Jane Spade joining others on the stage to pay respect for Summers County's fallen hero. His former wife, Sarah Gill, was in the hospital with surgery scheduled that day and could not attend. In her absence Congressman Rahall presented a U. S. Flag that had flown over the U. S. Capitol to her daughter, Christine, asking her to pass it on to her mother.
He was the son of the late James and Bertha Mae Bowden Adkins, He had two brothers, the late Harold "Buster" Adkins and the late Carl Wilford Adkins. His sisters, along with Jane Spade were the late Margaret Bennett and Ruby Ann Barbb.
The service included the unveiling of a veteran's "In Memory" marker obtained by state historian Russell Bennett that has been placed with a homemade marker in the Adkins plot at Hill Top Cemetery.
What follows is the complete text of Congressman Nick Rahall's speech.
Were we citizens of many foreign and distant lands, today might end without a passing thought of a forgotten soldier in a forgotten war.
But, as the beautiful new take on the old hymn, Amazing Grace, we heard earlier says, "What once was lost now is found." Democracy in our Republic gives each of us the power to choose. The freedom to choose is a powerful force.
It is true that the many freedoms we enjoy may well allow us to choose to forget – every once in a great while – our Nation's fundamental foundations.
But the freedoms we depend upon, also grant us the power to discover. And, every July 4th, as we celebrate our Declaration of Independence its principal author said, freedoms allow us "to pursue truth, wherever it may lead."
Today is a celebration for one who defended our freedoms. One who defended our rights by taking personal responsibility to serve our Nation and to serve truth by pursuing it. That precious gift is one prized by a free press.
Fred Long understands that the power of the pen quite naturally helps the power of the purse. Fred has helped organize today's ceremony with a noteworthy host committee. So we thank, Fred; Russell Bennett; Mayor Blankenship and the City of Hinton; the Summers County Commission and President Berry; and the many individuals and organizations listed in the program for contributing to and coming together for this ceremony to recall, remember and relate to future generations a valuable lesson from our past.
A few months ago, a band of veterans who have lived some of those lessons of the past, arrived in their nation's capitol aboard an Honor Flight from West Virginia. For most of these decorated veterans, it was the first time they would see the memorials erected in their honor.
I told them that, without their service, the U.S. Capitol building, heck, even the whole Capitol city might not well exist. Down from the Capitol building on the great mall between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial resides a war memorial.
Once described as the forgotten war, the Korean War had far too many hard fought battles to ever justify a title like that. The service and sacrifice of those enlisted in our cause will live on enshrined forever in the fitting and solemn granite and bronze memorial built in their honor.
I reminded our veterans that on the granite wall of this memorial was carved a lesson for the ages with these words, "Freedom is not free."
Here in Hinton, a once forgotten soldier is now, and rightly so, a cause to celebrate as long as freedom rings. The short life, the long legacy, and the eternal lesson of Virgil Boyd Adkins will be enshrined here.
Today, we memorialize a young Mountaineer and a moment in which he cared more about his fellow troops than himself. Through my office, we were able to secure a number of medals and decorations to justly honor his selfless acts.
One award particularly defines his heroics, the Silver Star, the third highest military honor a soldier can receive. With its presentation, Private Adkins joins the ranks of John "Black Jack" Pershing, Omar Bradley, Jimmy Doolittle, and Norman Schwarzkopf.
It is a noble medal with a red, white and blue ribbon reflecting Old Glory's colors. Below it proudly hangs a five pointed gold star. In its center, rests a silver star atop a sunburst of rays extending to a wreath of laurel, the ancient symbol of victory.
On the medal's reverse side are only four words. It reads simply, "For gallantry in action." Gallantry, a word we seldom use. It is one of the few we reserve to match the highest standard of human conduct.
We think back to that field of battle in Korea, almost 60 years ago. On a hot July day, the sky filled with enemy fire, "HEAVY enemy fire," the official citation reads. Virgil Boyd Adkins rose above the danger to his own life to save the lives of others.
And when retreat was sounded, Private Adkins volunteered to stay behind and provide cover for his fellow troops.
While the whereabouts of his Earthly remains may be known only to God, let his courage and commitment to our cause remain forever etched on the hearts of freedom-loving people everywhere.
A great general – MacArthur – once said, "However horrible the incidents of war may be, the soldier who is called upon to offer and to give his life for his country is the noblest development of mankind."
Private Adkins met that measure more than once on that summer day. That he summoned the inner strength, the gallantry, to protect his buddies, so they could live another day to promote the cause of freedom, should not surprise any West Virginian. Here among our hills, still to this day, we nurture the roots of gallantry displayed by Private Adkins.
Though those of us here have faced severe, even life threatening challenges, especially of late. Our challenges, more often than not, pale in comparison to those born in the theater of war. But, when you grow up where you can count on neighbor helping neighbor as sure as you can on the next sunrise, it sticks with you. Those solid roots let us stand tall. It is a virtue that continues to serve us so well.
When we send a soldier off to war, he or she does not go alone. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, grandparents and children all go to war with their loved ones. Spouses serve and sacrifice right along with their husbands and wives.
So today, we honor Private Adkins' sister, Jane Spade, and his widow, Sarah Gill. Jane and Sarah, a grateful Nation thanks you for the sacrifice you made in sharing one of our most gallant sons. To all of Private Adkins' family and friends, we owe a debt of gratitude that, as a nation, can never truly be repaid.
Each of us here takes on an added civic responsibility from this day forward. Each time we pass the memorial marker honoring Virgil Boyd Adkins, we should pause for a moment and point to his memorial marker and share the story of his gallantry with our friends and family.
It's up to us to remind them that it is because of Virgil, and all those who wear our Nation's uniform, we live and enjoy the fruits of freedom.
God bless each of you and God bless America.
Thank you.
Fallen Hero
"We think back to that field of battle in Korea, almost 60 years ago. On a hot July day, the sky filled with enemy fire, "HEAVY enemy fire," the official citation reads. Virgil Boyd Adkins rose above the danger to his own life to save the lives of others.
"And when retreat was sounded, Private Adkins volunteered to stay behind and provide cover for his fellow troops.
"Private Adkins met that measure more than once on that summer day. That he summoned the inner strength, the gallantry, to protect his buddies, so they could live another day to promote the cause of freedom, should not surprise any West Virginian. Here among our hills, still to this day, we nurture the roots of gallantry displayed by Private Adkins."
These words from Congressman Nick Rahall, the keynote speaker during a memorial service, Friday, Aug. 17, 2012, for Virgil Adkins touched those in the audience that had gathered in the Memorial Building to honor a fallen Summers County hero.
Virgil Adkins was only 21 when he gave his life on the battle field and now "belongs to eternity," Commission President Jerry Berry said. "Neither this country - nor the values that we were founded upon - could exist without brave Americans like Private Virgil Adkins, who confront our adversaries abroad so we do not have to face them here at home. Their life's work is our security and the freedom that we to often take for granted. Every evening that the sun sets on our tranquil town; every dawn that a flag is unfurled; every moment that an American enjoys life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness - that is their legacy. And that is why we must pay tribute to their stories."
And it's of "vital importance," Hinton Mayor Joe Blankenship told the audience, "that people today not forget the sacrifice made by those of yesterday. Because if we forget the price they paid, we will forget that freedom is not free."
Virgil Adkins death 59-years-ago, went unnoticed in July 1953 to all except his family when, just 10-days later, all America would be rejoicing that the war in Korea had come to an end. His body was never recovered and no service was performed to mark his passing.
The service Friday included full military honors with his sister Jane Spade joining others on the stage to pay respect for Summers County's fallen hero. His former wife, Sarah Gill, was in the hospital with surgery scheduled that day and could not attend. In her absence Congressman Rahall presented a U. S. Flag that had flown over the U. S. Capitol to her daughter, Christine, asking her to pass it on to her mother.
He was the son of the late James and Bertha Mae Bowden Adkins, He had two brothers, the late Harold "Buster" Adkins and the late Carl Wilford Adkins. His sisters, along with Jane Spade were the late Margaret Bennett and Ruby Ann Barbb.
The service included the unveiling of a veteran's "In Memory" marker obtained by state historian Russell Bennett that has been placed with a homemade marker in the Adkins plot at Hill Top Cemetery.
What follows is the complete text of Congressman Nick Rahall's speech.
Were we citizens of many foreign and distant lands, today might end without a passing thought of a forgotten soldier in a forgotten war.
But, as the beautiful new take on the old hymn, Amazing Grace, we heard earlier says, "What once was lost now is found." Democracy in our Republic gives each of us the power to choose. The freedom to choose is a powerful force.
It is true that the many freedoms we enjoy may well allow us to choose to forget – every once in a great while – our Nation's fundamental foundations.
But the freedoms we depend upon, also grant us the power to discover. And, every July 4th, as we celebrate our Declaration of Independence its principal author said, freedoms allow us "to pursue truth, wherever it may lead."
Today is a celebration for one who defended our freedoms. One who defended our rights by taking personal responsibility to serve our Nation and to serve truth by pursuing it. That precious gift is one prized by a free press.
Fred Long understands that the power of the pen quite naturally helps the power of the purse. Fred has helped organize today's ceremony with a noteworthy host committee. So we thank, Fred; Russell Bennett; Mayor Blankenship and the City of Hinton; the Summers County Commission and President Berry; and the many individuals and organizations listed in the program for contributing to and coming together for this ceremony to recall, remember and relate to future generations a valuable lesson from our past.
A few months ago, a band of veterans who have lived some of those lessons of the past, arrived in their nation's capitol aboard an Honor Flight from West Virginia. For most of these decorated veterans, it was the first time they would see the memorials erected in their honor.
I told them that, without their service, the U.S. Capitol building, heck, even the whole Capitol city might not well exist. Down from the Capitol building on the great mall between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial resides a war memorial.
Once described as the forgotten war, the Korean War had far too many hard fought battles to ever justify a title like that. The service and sacrifice of those enlisted in our cause will live on enshrined forever in the fitting and solemn granite and bronze memorial built in their honor.
I reminded our veterans that on the granite wall of this memorial was carved a lesson for the ages with these words, "Freedom is not free."
Here in Hinton, a once forgotten soldier is now, and rightly so, a cause to celebrate as long as freedom rings. The short life, the long legacy, and the eternal lesson of Virgil Boyd Adkins will be enshrined here.
Today, we memorialize a young Mountaineer and a moment in which he cared more about his fellow troops than himself. Through my office, we were able to secure a number of medals and decorations to justly honor his selfless acts.
One award particularly defines his heroics, the Silver Star, the third highest military honor a soldier can receive. With its presentation, Private Adkins joins the ranks of John "Black Jack" Pershing, Omar Bradley, Jimmy Doolittle, and Norman Schwarzkopf.
It is a noble medal with a red, white and blue ribbon reflecting Old Glory's colors. Below it proudly hangs a five pointed gold star. In its center, rests a silver star atop a sunburst of rays extending to a wreath of laurel, the ancient symbol of victory.
On the medal's reverse side are only four words. It reads simply, "For gallantry in action." Gallantry, a word we seldom use. It is one of the few we reserve to match the highest standard of human conduct.
We think back to that field of battle in Korea, almost 60 years ago. On a hot July day, the sky filled with enemy fire, "HEAVY enemy fire," the official citation reads. Virgil Boyd Adkins rose above the danger to his own life to save the lives of others.
And when retreat was sounded, Private Adkins volunteered to stay behind and provide cover for his fellow troops.
While the whereabouts of his Earthly remains may be known only to God, let his courage and commitment to our cause remain forever etched on the hearts of freedom-loving people everywhere.
A great general – MacArthur – once said, "However horrible the incidents of war may be, the soldier who is called upon to offer and to give his life for his country is the noblest development of mankind."
Private Adkins met that measure more than once on that summer day. That he summoned the inner strength, the gallantry, to protect his buddies, so they could live another day to promote the cause of freedom, should not surprise any West Virginian. Here among our hills, still to this day, we nurture the roots of gallantry displayed by Private Adkins.
Though those of us here have faced severe, even life threatening challenges, especially of late. Our challenges, more often than not, pale in comparison to those born in the theater of war. But, when you grow up where you can count on neighbor helping neighbor as sure as you can on the next sunrise, it sticks with you. Those solid roots let us stand tall. It is a virtue that continues to serve us so well.
When we send a soldier off to war, he or she does not go alone. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, grandparents and children all go to war with their loved ones. Spouses serve and sacrifice right along with their husbands and wives.
So today, we honor Private Adkins' sister, Jane Spade, and his widow, Sarah Gill. Jane and Sarah, a grateful Nation thanks you for the sacrifice you made in sharing one of our most gallant sons. To all of Private Adkins' family and friends, we owe a debt of gratitude that, as a nation, can never truly be repaid.
Each of us here takes on an added civic responsibility from this day forward. Each time we pass the memorial marker honoring Virgil Boyd Adkins, we should pause for a moment and point to his memorial marker and share the story of his gallantry with our friends and family.
It's up to us to remind them that it is because of Virgil, and all those who wear our Nation's uniform, we live and enjoy the fruits of freedom.
God bless each of you and God bless America.
Thank you.
"We think back to that field of battle in Korea, almost 60 years ago. On a hot July day, the sky filled with enemy fire, "HEAVY enemy fire," the official citation reads. Virgil Boyd Adkins rose above the danger to his own life to save the lives of others.
"And when retreat was sounded, Private Adkins volunteered to stay behind and provide cover for his fellow troops.
"Private Adkins met that measure more than once on that summer day. That he summoned the inner strength, the gallantry, to protect his buddies, so they could live another day to promote the cause of freedom, should not surprise any West Virginian. Here among our hills, still to this day, we nurture the roots of gallantry displayed by Private Adkins."
These words from Congressman Nick Rahall, the keynote speaker during a memorial service, Friday, Aug. 17, 2012, for Virgil Adkins touched those in the audience that had gathered in the Memorial Building to honor a fallen Summers County hero.
Virgil Adkins was only 21 when he gave his life on the battle field and now "belongs to eternity," Commission President Jerry Berry said. "Neither this country - nor the values that we were founded upon - could exist without brave Americans like Private Virgil Adkins, who confront our adversaries abroad so we do not have to face them here at home. Their life's work is our security and the freedom that we to often take for granted. Every evening that the sun sets on our tranquil town; every dawn that a flag is unfurled; every moment that an American enjoys life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness - that is their legacy. And that is why we must pay tribute to their stories."
And it's of "vital importance," Hinton Mayor Joe Blankenship told the audience, "that people today not forget the sacrifice made by those of yesterday. Because if we forget the price they paid, we will forget that freedom is not free."
Virgil Adkins death 59-years-ago, went unnoticed in July 1953 to all except his family when, just 10-days later, all America would be rejoicing that the war in Korea had come to an end. His body was never recovered and no service was performed to mark his passing.
The service Friday included full military honors with his sister Jane Spade joining others on the stage to pay respect for Summers County's fallen hero. His former wife, Sarah Gill, was in the hospital with surgery scheduled that day and could not attend. In her absence Congressman Rahall presented a U. S. Flag that had flown over the U. S. Capitol to her daughter, Christine, asking her to pass it on to her mother.
He was the son of the late James and Bertha Mae Bowden Adkins, He had two brothers, the late Harold "Buster" Adkins and the late Carl Wilford Adkins. His sisters, along with Jane Spade were the late Margaret Bennett and Ruby Ann Barbb.
The service included the unveiling of a veteran's "In Memory" marker obtained by state historian Russell Bennett that has been placed with a homemade marker in the Adkins plot at Hill Top Cemetery.
What follows is the complete text of Congressman Nick Rahall's speech.
Were we citizens of many foreign and distant lands, today might end without a passing thought of a forgotten soldier in a forgotten war.
But, as the beautiful new take on the old hymn, Amazing Grace, we heard earlier says, "What once was lost now is found." Democracy in our Republic gives each of us the power to choose. The freedom to choose is a powerful force.
It is true that the many freedoms we enjoy may well allow us to choose to forget – every once in a great while – our Nation's fundamental foundations.
But the freedoms we depend upon, also grant us the power to discover. And, every July 4th, as we celebrate our Declaration of Independence its principal author said, freedoms allow us "to pursue truth, wherever it may lead."
Today is a celebration for one who defended our freedoms. One who defended our rights by taking personal responsibility to serve our Nation and to serve truth by pursuing it. That precious gift is one prized by a free press.
Fred Long understands that the power of the pen quite naturally helps the power of the purse. Fred has helped organize today's ceremony with a noteworthy host committee. So we thank, Fred; Russell Bennett; Mayor Blankenship and the City of Hinton; the Summers County Commission and President Berry; and the many individuals and organizations listed in the program for contributing to and coming together for this ceremony to recall, remember and relate to future generations a valuable lesson from our past.
A few months ago, a band of veterans who have lived some of those lessons of the past, arrived in their nation's capitol aboard an Honor Flight from West Virginia. For most of these decorated veterans, it was the first time they would see the memorials erected in their honor.
I told them that, without their service, the U.S. Capitol building, heck, even the whole Capitol city might not well exist. Down from the Capitol building on the great mall between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial resides a war memorial.
Once described as the forgotten war, the Korean War had far too many hard fought battles to ever justify a title like that. The service and sacrifice of those enlisted in our cause will live on enshrined forever in the fitting and solemn granite and bronze memorial built in their honor.
I reminded our veterans that on the granite wall of this memorial was carved a lesson for the ages with these words, "Freedom is not free."
Here in Hinton, a once forgotten soldier is now, and rightly so, a cause to celebrate as long as freedom rings. The short life, the long legacy, and the eternal lesson of Virgil Boyd Adkins will be enshrined here.
Today, we memorialize a young Mountaineer and a moment in which he cared more about his fellow troops than himself. Through my office, we were able to secure a number of medals and decorations to justly honor his selfless acts.
One award particularly defines his heroics, the Silver Star, the third highest military honor a soldier can receive. With its presentation, Private Adkins joins the ranks of John "Black Jack" Pershing, Omar Bradley, Jimmy Doolittle, and Norman Schwarzkopf.
It is a noble medal with a red, white and blue ribbon reflecting Old Glory's colors. Below it proudly hangs a five pointed gold star. In its center, rests a silver star atop a sunburst of rays extending to a wreath of laurel, the ancient symbol of victory.
On the medal's reverse side are only four words. It reads simply, "For gallantry in action." Gallantry, a word we seldom use. It is one of the few we reserve to match the highest standard of human conduct.
We think back to that field of battle in Korea, almost 60 years ago. On a hot July day, the sky filled with enemy fire, "HEAVY enemy fire," the official citation reads. Virgil Boyd Adkins rose above the danger to his own life to save the lives of others.
And when retreat was sounded, Private Adkins volunteered to stay behind and provide cover for his fellow troops.
While the whereabouts of his Earthly remains may be known only to God, let his courage and commitment to our cause remain forever etched on the hearts of freedom-loving people everywhere.
A great general – MacArthur – once said, "However horrible the incidents of war may be, the soldier who is called upon to offer and to give his life for his country is the noblest development of mankind."
Private Adkins met that measure more than once on that summer day. That he summoned the inner strength, the gallantry, to protect his buddies, so they could live another day to promote the cause of freedom, should not surprise any West Virginian. Here among our hills, still to this day, we nurture the roots of gallantry displayed by Private Adkins.
Though those of us here have faced severe, even life threatening challenges, especially of late. Our challenges, more often than not, pale in comparison to those born in the theater of war. But, when you grow up where you can count on neighbor helping neighbor as sure as you can on the next sunrise, it sticks with you. Those solid roots let us stand tall. It is a virtue that continues to serve us so well.
When we send a soldier off to war, he or she does not go alone. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, grandparents and children all go to war with their loved ones. Spouses serve and sacrifice right along with their husbands and wives.
So today, we honor Private Adkins' sister, Jane Spade, and his widow, Sarah Gill. Jane and Sarah, a grateful Nation thanks you for the sacrifice you made in sharing one of our most gallant sons. To all of Private Adkins' family and friends, we owe a debt of gratitude that, as a nation, can never truly be repaid.
Each of us here takes on an added civic responsibility from this day forward. Each time we pass the memorial marker honoring Virgil Boyd Adkins, we should pause for a moment and point to his memorial marker and share the story of his gallantry with our friends and family.
It's up to us to remind them that it is because of Virgil, and all those who wear our Nation's uniform, we live and enjoy the fruits of freedom.
God bless each of you and God bless America.
Thank you.
Family Members
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