“I think about all the fellow comrades that didn't make it back,” says Dean Decker as he and others gather in the parking lot of the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond. Decker is commander of the Memorial Rifles and they've come together to participate in a service in honor of Veteran's Day.
Decker, one of 8 others from the group in attendance, says they started the organization about 15 years ago, as part of a way to give tribute to veterans. Decker, who is a Korean War veteran, says they don't charge for their services. The Memorial Rifles are part of the American Legion Post 84 in Richmond.
When asked why he and the others do it, Decker responds. “It gives you a feeling of pride. You feel like you're doing something worthwhile.” As the ceremony draws closer, Decker adds, “It's just another way of serving, of paying back to this country what it's given to us. You can't participate in this and not feel pride.”
Malcolm Spicer, 82, center of the picture, agrees. “It's an honor to be able to serve at my age.” He's also a veteran of the Korean War as well as other conflicts - he served 20 years active duty, from 1947 until 1967. As the ceremony begins, the men gather at the edge of a reflecting pool that weaves through the memorial. Their weathered hands wrap around their Lee-Enfield rifles. They stand at formation until the closing moments of the ceremony, then in unison, turn and lift their rifles into bright blue sky and fire.
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