27-05-2025
What they gave: Star City holds annual Memorial Day ceremony
May 26—STAR CITY — "No person was ever honored for what they received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave."
With that quote from Calvin Cooidge, former Star City Mayor and Councilman, and Air Force Veteran, Bob Musick opened Star City's annual Memorial Day ceremony on a picture-perfect Monday morning at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park.
The gathering was brief, but well attended and featured soloist Al Anderson — a staple of the yearly event.
Anderson — who entered the U.S. Army at 17 in 1954 — opened the ceremony with the "Star Spangled Banner, " and helped bring the proceedings to a close by leading the crowd in the "Battle Hymn of the Republic " and "God Bless America."
"Taps " was performed by Morgantown High Senior — and future Pride of West Virginia member — Jameson Loop.
Featured speakers included U.S. Army Veteran Jay Rollo, who explained that while so many gave their lives in service to country, it was ultimately service to country that gave him life.
"For me, joining the Army was not a career choice, I wasn't following in somebody's footsteps or carrying on a family tradition. I was not driven by a sense of patriotism or a desire to serve my country. For me, joining the Army was a desperately needed lifestyle change, " he said, pausing to compose himself.
Through the Army, he continued, he went from a college dropout working in a bar, to a man with the skills, confidence and discipline to build a successful life. It was also through the Army that he met his wife while serving in Panama.
"Had I not joined the Army, I can confidently say I would not be anywhere close to the life I have today, " he said. "The Army taught me about true brotherhood, experiencing memories, both good and bad, created with fellow soldiers to help form unbreakable bonds that will last a lifetime."
After graduating from nursing school in 1970, Kathy Maier and a classmate set their sights on the U.S. Air Force.
And then her friend backed out the day before they were to be Texas-bound for basic training.
"Of course, I wanted to back out, too, but my mother was very influential. She thought it was a good idea. We had a neighbor who was retired AIr Force, and she had him come talk to me, " Maier said. "Somehow, I felt the need to go."
Shortly after basic training, Maier headed from San Antonio to nearby Brooks Air Force Base, where she completed training as a flight nurse.
"There were 60 of us, " she said, holding up a class photo. "Out of 60, 30 went to Vietnam. I was amazed they sent that many nurses to Vietnam. I didn't have that experience."
Maier closed her remarks recalling the story of Thomas Bennett, a U.S. Army medic from Morgantown who served in Vietnam, but never carried a gun as a conscientious objector to the war.
He was killed in action on February 11, 1969 while trying to reach a badly-wounded soldier.
He earned a Medal of Honor for untold selfless acts carried out under fire.
Musick knew Bennett from their time together at Morgantown High School.
"He was one of the finest human beings God put on earth. He said to us, 'I'm going to go and serve. I won't carry a gun.' And he kept his promise, " Musick said.
