By Chris Russell
Numerous state and local dignitaries attended a Veteran’s Day celebration Tuesday to dedicate the new Durwood Baggett Contemplative Garden in the Arboretum.
The garden was created to honor the five branches of the military. It was named in honor of 92-year-old Durwood Baggett, a World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the bronze star. Baggett, who died earlier this year, served as the county extension agent for 28 years, and was instrumental in forming the county’s Master Gardener program.
Al Height, NC Cooperative County Extension Director, said that Baggett believed in “service above self.”
The new garden features the U.S. Flag as well as the flags of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy. Also installed in the area is a water fountain featuring a turquoise pot designed by potter Ben Owen III, from Seagrove, N.C.
The American Legion Post 10 Color Guard led the procession, which included saying the Pledge of Allegiance and singing the National Anthem. Bag pipes, a three-gun salute, singing from the Cape Fear Chordsmen, and appeals to remember the sacrifices of military men and women were part of the ceremony.
N.C. Veteran’s Affairs Director Ilario Pantano spoke to the crowd of over 100. He joked, “with all the military veterans present here today, this may be the safest place in North Carolina right now.”
Pantano also said that in our society today there are many distractions, from texting to commercials and video games, and his challenge is keeping focus on U.S. veterans.
“War is continuous, I wish it wasn’t. But the defense of our nation requires it,” he said of active military.
He spoke on the shrinking number of enlisted military, which he cited is less than 1 percent of the U.S. population.
“Today we honor our living veterans … the willingness to serve in the future may depend on how we honor and remember our service people now,” Pantano said.
Baggett’s eldest son, David addressed the crowd.
“This garden may be named for Durwood Baggett, but it is here to remember all who serve in the armed forces,” he said.
He said his father was a true patriot, with blessings too numerous to count and too rich to measure.
“I want to share the three things my father taught us: always tell the truth; always do the right thing, even if it is hard to do; and do what you say you are going to do,” he said.
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