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Retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel and New York Times bestselling author Tony Shaffer spoke at the Tyrrell County Veterans Day ceremony Monday, November 11, expressing gratitude toward those who have served and encouraging the next generation.

“We as veterans do the hard things which are necessary to protect the country,” Shaffer said to the community members gathered at Madge L. Vanhorne Auditorium.

Speaking to Boy Scout Troop 86 present at the ceremony, he said, “Those things given are not as enduring as those things earned. Merit is endured. And it’s not easy to endure. It’s something that takes work, it takes fortitude, and something that you all will learn.”

He read the poem “A Soldier Died Today” as a reminder to honor and show homage to veterans, particularly to those who fought in older wars and whose stories are passing away along with them.

Each year, the ceremony focuses on a different war; this year it was the War on Terror, which began with the attacks on September 11, 2001.

Shaffer centered his remarks on his unique perspectives regarding the War on Terror, about which he wrote Operation Dark Heart: Spycraft and Special Ops on the Frontlines of Afghanistan—and the Path to Victory in 2011.

Regarding the War on Terror, Shaffer stated that the attacks of 9/11 “changed everything” regarding the trajectory of the United States.

“The notable issue that we face is how to actually defeat an adversary that has a philosophy that is bent on destroying western civilization to include us … the 9/11 attacks,  War on Terror, is something that really baffled our leadership.”

He shared his opinions about military decisions during the war and after; some of which he was not in agreement.

“We have to recognize, for those who’ve served in uniform, the most important thing is that when our country asks us to fight, we should have the presumption that there has to be a fight to win, and to end things, and not keep things drawn out.”

The war in Afghanistan was 20 years – the longest war in American history. He called this lengthy presence “ill-advised” but also criticized the abrupt departure from the country.

He spoke proudly of American exceptionalism, yet urged caution with deploying military force.

“We want and need to be the greatest military on the planet, but use that military force with reluctance, to always lead with other options if at all possible,” Shaffer said.

He affirmed President Reagan’s position of “peace through strength” and spoke optimistically about the future of the country and the state.

Part of that optimism centered around the next generation of leaders present at the event. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Boy Scout Troop 86 and the Posting of Colors was performed by the Washington/Tyrrell County High School Jr. ROTC program participants.

The ceremony looked forward but it also spent significant time looking back in remembrance and appreciation to those who served and those who lost their lives.

After a welcome from Ray Davenport (Post 182 Commander US Army), Tyrrell County Commissioners Chairman Tommy Everett and USMC Vietnam Veteran Leroy Spivey read resolutions.

Robert “Bob” Waters (Retired Captain US Army) led the audience in the National Anthem and “God Bless America” on a small portable organ.

Walter Davenport (Post 182 Chaplin, US Army) read the names of the MIA/POW-deceased veterans from Tyrrell County: Lionel Corey Bateman Sr., Daniel E. Davis Sr., David A. Jones, Max O. Liverman, James E. Phelps, Joseph Braxton Wynns, and Anthony Rhodes, followed by a performance of “Taps” and Laying of the Wreath by Richard Edwards, Donald Mooney (US Army), and Paige Mullen (US Coast Guard).

Closing remarks were given by Spivey, followed by a benediction from Davenport.

Special guests attending the ceremony included 103-year-old Myrtle Mitchell and 101-year-old Virginia Voliva, both from Columbia.

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