“What we once have enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us.” – Helen Keller
“We take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.” — Cynthia Ozick
In Honor..!
Memorial Day is a day we should continuously observe because our freedoms show up each day and not just annually on Memorial Day Weekend. The surviving families live each day remembering their lost family service members. Many family members grow to realize there is a blurred line between honoring their loss and the pain of their loss. Memorial Day is everyday.
Losing close friends wearing the military uniform can be similar to losing a family member. Danny Watkins from Meadowview, Virginia; Michael Charles and Kenneth Delaney from Bristol, Virginia; and Frank Campbell from Chilhowie, Virginia were that close. And note, there were other friends who also died.
I do not want these four friends to be forgotten. I want their service and sacrifice to mean something. I often reflect on a memory or recall a conversation. At times I will hear an old song once shared as friends. The years passing fail to dim these memories associated with these friendships.
How do I best honor the loss of my friends? I have two simple methods I use to honor them. First, I live each day respecting the freedoms I have. My freedoms are directly connected to their sacrifices, their lives and their deaths.
Next, I continue to speak their names in public throughout the year when opportunities permit. Calling attention to their names is an act of devotion and my personal way to honor these high school friendships.
We can all take a moment to thank those who made the supreme sacrifice for freedom. And we can demonstrate our gratitude by loving and protecting the freedoms we enjoy as citizens of the United States.
2023 Pathway Project Campaign
Goal $4,400.00 Raised $1,350.00 Balance $3,050.00
Thank you for your inquiries regarding the 2023 Pathway Project. One key question received pertained to the Kiwanis Club. Yes, the Kiwanis Club is a bonafide partner as is Emory & Henry College. Ultimately, the Kiwanis Club receives donations and then deposits all donations into its account. These donated funds are then used to cover the expenses Friends of Copey is accountable for. Please support this effort and send me any questions you may have.
Mark Your calendar June 16th for the 10th Anniversary for Friends of Copey
nk Campbell from Chilhowie, Virginia were that close. And note, there were other friends who also died. 
use to honor them. First, I live each day respecting the freedoms I have. My freedoms are directly connected to their sacrifices, their lives and their deaths.
