From the Editor, May 22, 2025
It’s a holiday but how many of our youth know what it represents?
As Americans across the nation pause to observe Memorial Day, the town of Marianna will remember one of its own, Robert Waller, the first U.S. casualty of the Vietnam War in 1967 from Jackson County. At just 23 years old, Waller’s life was cut tragically short in a conflict that would span nearly two decades and claim the lives of more than 58,000 American service members.
Waller, a native son of Marianna, volunteered to serve his country during a time of great uncertainty and division. On a fateful day in 1967, he became the first American soldier to fall in Vietnam, marking the beginning of one of the most contentious and painful chapters in U.S. military history.
Now, 58 years later, the memory of Robert Waller lives on, not only in the hearts of his family and community but also in the solemn reflections of a nation that continues to honor its fallen heroes. This Memorial Day, local residents will gather at Marianna’s veterans memorial on the north side of the courthouse to lay wreaths, share stories, and observe a moment of silence in Waller’s memory.
“Robert was just a young man with his whole life ahead of him,” said Jackson County Commissioner David Alford. “He answered the call to serve, and he paid the ultimate price. We owe him, and all those who followed, a debt that can never truly be repaid.”
Waller’s story is a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the bravery of those who serve. As flags fly at half-staff and ceremonies are held across the country, his sacrifice remains a poignant symbol of duty, honor, and the profound weight of service.
Memorial Day is more than the unofficial start of summer — it is a day to remember men like Robert Waller, whose courage and sacrifice have helped preserve the freedoms Americans hold dear. I challenge you to ask your child (anyone under 18) why we observe Memorial Day. I took my own challenge and asked five children, called their parents and asked permission to ask their children a question about federal holiday being observed Monday, May 26. The first child I asked was eight years old and just finished first grade. I asked her if she knew we had a holiday coming up after this weekend. She immediately said yes, she did because her mom and dad didn’t have to work. I asked what holiday it was and she said, “A sad day because people got shot and died. My grandaddy’s brother died in a war but I don’t know the name of it.” The next one I walked with was a seven-year-old little boy who is all boy. He loves hunting, fishing, and digging worms. I asked the same questions. He didn’t know it was a holiday and didn’t know anything about wars. That’s NOT his fault.
Children need encouragement to learn, to explore new areas. Without that, they’ll be content to ‘get by’ and entertain themselves with what I’ve come to call electronic babysitters. There’s nothing sadder to me than to see toddlers, yes, I said toddlers at a ballpark mesmerized by their mom or dad’s cell phones. They could be chasing lightning bugs or picking flowers, picking up rocks, etcetera. Back to child number three. She was cute as a bug and had on of all things an “American” dress. She had honors day today and she wanted to wear a special dress. I asked her if she knew how America came to be a country, and she did not. She did know that she could choose what school she attended and could go to any church she wanted. At nine years old, I’ll accept that. The next duo were six-and-eight-year-old brothers, and they chose to do a joint interview. They were asked the same questions. I was pleased to know both knew about Memorial Day being a ‘war’ holiday. I asked what he meant, and he told me his great granddaddy was a war that was called the Vietnam War but that he didn’t get killed or shot but he had died but not from the war.
I am a firm believer that if you don’t know history, then you’re subject to repeat it. That’s why I feel it is so important to know history, to study it, know what has worked in our country and what hasn’t, and for certain to have an appreciation for the country you call home. We are so blessed to live in the United States of America where we are free to worship where we like (and if you so choose, to not worship), to attend school and gain an education, to work at a job of our choosing, and live where we choose to live. That didn’t happen by accident and I encourage you to tell your children how America came to be and why it came to be. Tell them how fortunate they are to live in a country where they have these rights and can choose to live in whatever town, country, or state they choose. They do not have to pay for an education, it is their right and yes, I know it costs parents money every school year but it’s minor for what they receive in return.
Every time I think about school and learning and the things I didn’t learn until later but wished I had at an earlier age, I am reminded of something you’ve heard or read me say many times. I had a professor at Chipola College many, many years ago and he was one of the smartest men I knew at that time who was teaching there. (Sorry Dr. O’Daniel, this one isn’t about you). Dr. Lewis told his class almost without fail on the first day of class every semester, “An education is the one thing everyone is willing to pay for and not willing to get.” Think about that – think about that when you’re tempted to cheat your way through school. Then turn those thoughts around and crack open the books (or in today’s times, the laptop or tablet) and learn, learn, learn. Another saying that you’ve heard many times from me that came from my dad, “Nobody can take your education away, you control that!” That’s about the best there is this week from Prissie!