A World War II and Korean War veteran has requested help putting 2,200 American flags on graves on the morning of Memorial Day and several different groups have stepped up to lend a hand.
RT “Jimmy” Brigman of Hamlet said he put donated money aside that he received from community members all year long. He spent some of the money on small American flags which he wants placed on the graves of veterans all over the county.
“The Marine Corps League is going to one cemetery for me,” said Brigman. “And Youth Minister Steve Hicks at my church (Calvary Baptist Church on McDonald Avenue in Hamlet) has got some youth that are going to help me at Richmond Memorial Park, he said, after I brought it up Sunday. I want to thank the people in the county who donated money to me for flags. The government doesn’t issue flags anymore.”
Brigman has served the DAV for 25 years. Brigman, 84, is a retired Master Sergeant and holds two Purple Hearts and a Silver Star, among other medals.
“I got tore up bad but the Lord brought me home. I’ve got holes in my legs and metal in my body. What hurts most is those that didn’t come home,” he said.
Brigman got out of the military when he realized he didn’t want to go to Vietnam.
The youth of Calvary Baptist Church will be joined by the children of Temple Christian School at 165 Airport Road, Rockingham, to disperse the flags in the cemetery.
“I personally think it’s a good idea for young kids to help veterans and honor them,” said Steve Hicks.
— Staff Writer Dawn M. Kurry can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 15, or by email at dkurry@heartlandpublications.com.
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