- April 20, 2024
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Group walks across Granada Bridge to honor local National Guard.
Wayne Grant
News Editor
Many people may think the war in Afghanistan is winding down. But a group who gathered in the early morning darkness at the Granada Bridge on March 29 know different.
As the sun rose on a cool morning, they had a prayer, said the pledge of allegiance and then walked over the bridge in a “vigil walk” to remember the 200 local National Guard troops that were recently deployed for one year of combat operations in the war-torn country.
The plan is for the walk to continue each morning until the troops return, about one year. Those who wish to take part can meet at 7:15 a.m. at Cassen Park, located at the southwest corner of the bridge, across from City Hall.
A video journal of the walks will be posted on the website ormondstrong.com and Run Keeper phone app, so the soldiers can see they are being remembered by supporters back in the states.
National Guard troops from the 1st Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery Regiment deployed from Daytona Beach on March 16. After training, they will spend six months in Afghanistan.
Denise Wisely, born and raised in Ormond Beach, said it’s important for the community to be aware that troops are still fighting in Afghanistan.
Julian Cantillo agreed, saying the key is to acknowledge their service.
“These people are leaving their home for a year to serve their country,” he said. “Because of their service, we can be free.”
Several walkers commented that they wanted to honor of the troops, remembering that those who served in Vietnam did not get the same support ant recognition.
Peggy Turner, of Ormond Beach, said she believes in everything the troops are doing.
“I have to think of them every day,” she said. “They are on our prayer list at church.”
She said people think the National Guard only helps in disasters and don’t realize they serve in active duty in wartime like regular military.
The group gathered at Granada Pier Bait and Tackle, and owner Ike Leary said he was “all for” the walk.
“I’m against war, but sometimes you do what you have to do,” he said.
Many of those at the walk did not have relatives in the deployed National Guard unit, but had other connections to the military.
“My son served as a combat medic in Iraq,” said Janie Rocke, a member of American Legion Auxiliary, Post 120, in Holly Hill. “I was thrilled when I saw the flier.”
Jim Arthur, owner of Body Exchange, Ormond Beach, a former Marine, said he wanted to support the National Guard troops. He took part in the walk and had offered free training to get them in “battle shape.” He said some of them took advantage of the offer.
Don Ashworth, of Daytona Beach, had a patch on the back of his jacket that said, “Vets don’t forget.” He said veterans don’t forget what they went through and don’t forget each other.
“I love that we stick together no matter what,” he said.
Ormond Strong is a nonprofit corporation. Visit ormondstrong.com.
