Rock Hill Park Honors Veterans On Somber Day

More than 500 people, young and old, filled a Rock Hill park for the dedication of a long-awaited tribute to America's veterans.

Flags waved in the chilly early morning breeze as people lined the walkways, bridges, and grass at Glencairn Garden on Friday.

For many, it was a day of celebration to remember all of the country's servicemen and women who've worn the uniform of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.

However, it began on a somber note in the aftermath of the horrific shootings at the Fort Hood army post in Texas.

"I'd appreciate it if we could have a moment of silence for all of those touched by the tragedy at Fort Hood," said Rock Hill Mayor Doug Echols as he opened the program.

Heads bowed silently as those gathered honored the 13 dead and dozens injured in the attack of one soldier against another.

"It's just beyond anything I could imagine. Horrific,” said Marine and Vietnam veteran Lowell Bomar. "You depend on your fellow servicemen to be at your back, not your adversary."

"It's a terrible catastrophe that anything like that could happen at one of our military bases," said former Army soldier and Korean War veteran T.J. Martin.

The state's adjutant general Stan Spears told Eyewitness News he just can't grasp how any soldier could hurt a friend.

"This fellow was in the Army, and he was trained by the Army. Why he would just flip like that, I don't know. It doesn't make good sense," Spears said. "It's hard for me to believe that somebody would do that to a fellow soldier."

Despite the tragedy in Texas, the mood was joyful in Rock Hill. As the crowd heard a 21-gun salute and listened to TAPS, they admired the large, circular memorial that now stands in one corner of the garden. It pays tribute to every branch of the military -- past, present and future.

Some were near tears at the grand honor they were given.

"A lot of things went through my mind," Martin said, his voice cracking with emotion, "All the people I lost over in Korea."

"It's an emotional experience actually, more than I could ever imagine," echoed Bomar.

"Somebody has done a fabulous job of putting this whole thing together," said Gene Newton, who retired from the Army Air Corps.

The tribute to veterans has been in the works for several years. It's now open to the public for the honor of all who have, are and will serve their country.