The War After the War

Richard Campbell Nursing Home veterans reflect on Memorial Day 

ANDERSON COUNTY — Flags line the shaded driveway leading to the Richard M. Campbell Veterans Nursing Home. Inside, six veterans move their wheelchairs over the gray-and-blue-checked floor, assembling around a flag.  They talk about the coming Memorial Day and what it means to them.

Duncan Legarde served in the Marines in World War II. He is 86 now and he is solemn.

He gives a simple answer about the meaning of Memorial Day: “the end of the war, and going home.”

Leon Kazian, 84, served in the 6th Marines during WWII, joining when he was 18. He gives a different answer: “It’s the stark realization that so many men, Americans, will kill each other over disputes that are ridiculous and even sad,” Kazian says. He mentions the Civil War. Ralph Thomas, 81, was drafted into the Army and three months later found himself in Japan. “I was there when Tojo was hung,” he says, “although they didn’t let me watch.” He said Memorial Day means a lot to him.

Tojo Hideki was a Japanese general and was Prime Minister of Japan through much of WWII until he was sentenced to death.

Belvin Ware, 89, also served in the Army during WWII. He says Memorial Day is a way to celebrate those who are lost in service.

Janet Land, 79, adds to that thought:“It’s a celebration of the end of war and a remembrance of the ones we lost and the ones that came home.”

Land was a social worker in the Korean and Vietnam wars.

On Monday, the veterans in the nursing home will be honored as they celebrate Memorial Day.

Sherry Fleming, director of the home, said 300 to 350 people are expected for the event.

U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, R-SC, will speak. Barrett served in the Army as a captain of field artillery after graduating from The Citadel.

There will also be a memorial ceremony to remember residents who have died in the last year.

A plaque will be hung in the home’s hallway.

Fleming said Memorial Day is an event the veterans look forward to.

“I’ve been here about 15 years, and we have the service every year,” she said. “It’s always been a big event.”

The $12 million nursing home was established in 1991 and can accommodate220 veterans. The two oldest residents are a few months apart at 98. Both served in World War II.  The youngest is a 42-year-old who served in Desert Storm.