Elloree officer honored as Orangeburg marks Memorial Day

He gave the keynote speech at the Orangeburg County Veterans Council’s annual Memorial Day observance on Sunday, May 26, in the county library conference center.

McCaffrey, a retired U.S. Army Major General, said he especially appreciated the opportunity to “pay solemn tribute” to another retired U.S. Army Major General – William Holman “Bill” Brandenburg Jr.

Brandenburg was “a particularly notable veteran … who wore our nation’s cloth for more than 35 years as a distinguished soldier,” McCaffrey said.

Brandenburg resided in Elloree at both the time of his birth and at the time of his death on Feb. 26. He was a graduate of The Citadel and served in locations around the world.

“Major General Brandenburg was my boss twice in my own career, first in 2002 at Fort Lewis, Washington, and then several years later in Hawaii,” McCaffrey recalled.

“Bill was a demanding but deeply compassionate leader – exactly what I needed in those days where the uncertainty of looming combat and long deployments tested us all,” he said.

“I was unaware of Bill’s passing until just this past week. Only coincidence, or perhaps God’s grace, caused me to be here today and honor his service amidst the others who we count amongst our heroes,” McCaffrey continued.

“His investment in me and my unit was impactful and I recall his example fondly,” he said. “Our nation, our Army, our state, and this community are better and more secure for Bill’s service.”

He noted that a person’s military service has a significant effect on the life of his or her spouse and children.

He led the audience in applause for Brandenburg’s widow, Sybil Livingston Brandenburg, who received a bouquet of flowers from the program’s sponsors.

As a youth, McCaffrey said he viewed Memorial Day as a holiday marked by barbecue, parades, and the traditional beginning of summer.

“Many Americans today still see this last Monday in May as a paid day off” to gather with friends and family, have picnics, or shop for sales, he said.

“However, as I grew older – and certainly as my military career advanced – this day took on a much more solemn meaning,” he said. “Each Memorial Day now seems clouded by a veneer of melancholy.”

McCaffrey’s first combat tour was 20 years ago. He wears a bracelet with the names of the first men to die while serving with him in Iraq: “Men who Bill Brandenburg helped me to train.”

Three died when a suicide bomber attacked a dining hall, four days before Christmas 2004. Two died when an improvised explosive device hit their vehicle. One died when his vehicle drove over a bomb.

One died in combat. “I recall commenting at his memorial service that I did not know where the Army found men like him; I was only thankful that men like him find our Army,” McCaffrey said.

One was killed by a sniper’s bullet. “I recall he seemed larger than life and somewhat indestructible. However, none of us are indestructible,” McCaffrey said.

“I’m confident that those men who I just recalled, and the many thousands of other men and women” who died during or after their service in the military “would certainly not begrudge us smiling, laughing, and enjoying the day,” he said.

“In fact, were they here to comment, I suspect they’d be a bit chagrined if we did not enjoy this day, as their sacrifice … secured the very freedoms that allow us to do so.

“I believe their only request would be that – while we enjoy a cold beverage, barbecue some chicken or ribs, and laugh with friends, family, and colleagues – we also recall their service and their sacrifice on our behalf,” he said.

“That small, but important, gesture seems a tiny price to pay for the service and sacrifice (they) made on behalf of all of us,” McCaffrey concluded.

Orangeburg Mayor Michael Butler assured the retired general: “We will never forget the price they paid and the great sacrifice they made for us.

“These men and women proudly served our country, putting their lives on the line to protect the many freedoms that we enjoy today. May we remember them not only on this holiday but every day,” he concluded.

Cottie Allen, senior vice commander of VFW Post 8166, was the mistress of ceremonies. The Rev. Dr. John W. Evans, U.S. Air Force (retired), offered prayers. Rosemary Hickman sang the National Anthem and two other songs. Steve Jarvis played Taps.

Sponsors not listed elsewhere in this article included Orangeburg County, the Orangeburg County Veterans Affairs Office, Military Order of the Purple Heart No. 932, the Greater Orangeburg Leathernecks Marine Corps League Detachment 1259, Vets Helping Vets, and the Orangeburg Coca-Cola Bottling Company.