- December 23, 2024
Loading
Flagler County honored the country’s fallen soldiers in a Memorial Day ceremony at the county Government Services Building the morning of May 29.
Flagler County Veteran Services Officer David Lydon read the Last Roll Call for Flagler County veterans who had died in the last year.
The county also recognized Army Private First Class Raheen Tyson Heighter, the son of Palm Coast City Council Member Cathy Heighter. Raheen Heighter died on July 24, 2003 while serving in Iraq.
“Today we remember Corporal Raheen Tyson Heighter, and all who gave their life defending this great country and the United States Armed Forces,” Lydon said.
Raheen Heighter joined the army at 20 years old, just months before 9/11, Lydon said.
The county presented Cathy Heighter with a plaque in honor of her son, who was buried at Long Island National Cemetery with full military honors.
Heighter said she can’t believe that in a few weeks it will be 20 years since her son died.
“I cannot think of a day that has gone by since then that I have not thought of him,” Heighter said.
Heighter said her son was the first casualty from Long Island in the Iraq War.
After his death, she said, she knew she needed to become the voice for her son and the others like him.
“I struggled to keep my son's memory alive, so that he shall never be forgotten,” Heighter said. “And to remember all those brave heroes who have served this country and made the ultimate sacrifice.”
The county invited Matanzas High School’s Junior Reserve Office Training Corps cadets to present the nation’s colors, while members of several Flagler County Boy and Girl Scout troop led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members of Flagler County’s Marine Corps League, detachment 876, performed a three-volley salute, after the Last Roll Call.
Retired U.S. Army Col. Peggy Hengeveld and Flagler Beach City Commissioner Jane Mealy were among the other speakers at the ceremony.
Local singer Shannon Rae sang the national anthem, the United States Armed Forces Medley and “God Bless America.” Veteran Vince Cautero returned to sing “God Bless the U.S.A.”
Heighter said Memorial Day should be about remembering and honoring American soldiers.
“Never forget the high price of freedom,” she said. “We owe these brave men and women who gave their lives for this country a debt that we can never repay."