Friday March 23rd, 2013, St. Stephens Fire Department provided a ladder truck to assist Hickory Fire Department with presenting an American Flag display to honor a local fallen hero. Army Spc. David T. Proctor, which was only 26 years old, lost his life while defending our country. He passed away from injuries sustained on duty in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The flag was held in place at the entrance to Catawba Park by the crossed ladders of the ladder trucks. The processional entered the park and drove under the American flag to take Mr. David Proctor to his final resting place where he was laid to rest with full military honors.
Monday April 1st, 2013, Hickory Fire Department provided a ladder truck to assist St. Stephens Fire Department with presenting an American Flag display to honor fallen hero from the St. Stephens community. Marine Lance Cpl. Mason J. Vanderwork lost his life in a training accident in Nevada on March 18th, while training to defend our country and to keep all of us at home safe. Mr. Vanderwork only 21 years old leaves behind his wife and his family. After the funeral service, St. Stephens High School held a memorial service for Mason Venderwork for all his family, friends, and all that knew him. A large American flag was held in place at the entrance to the school by the crossed ladders of the two ladder trucks. Family and friends attending the memorial service entered the school parking lot by driving under the American Flag. Hundreds of people gathered to honor the life and dedication that Mason had for our country. Several friends that went to school with Mason and some of his teachers, spoke to the family members and the crowd during the memorial service to reflect on his life and to share the impact that Mr. Venderwork had on the people around him. The service ended when two Marines presented a flag to the mother, sister and family of Mr. Venderwork on behalf of the President of the United States and the US Marine Corps. The conclusion of the service consisted of the playing of the taps and a 21 gun salute by the Marine Honor Guard.
The members of the St. Stephens Fire Department would like to thank the veterans and all of our men and women in uniform serving and protecting our country for the freedom that we are privileged with every day! Thank you to the families that have sacrificed their loved ones to defend our nation. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers each and every day! Our hope is that God watch after and bless each and every one of you. THANK YOU!!!
