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Vol. 4 No. 9 | Richmond Suburban News | November 7, 2018
Veterans Day Ceremony scheduled Sunday, Nov. 11 HANOVER – A tradition will continue on Sunday, Nov. 11, when Hanover County honors its military veterans at 2 p.m. with a Veterans Day ceremony at the Hanover Veterans Memorial at Hanover Wayside Park. Veterans who served and are serving to insure our freedom with be honored. Dr. Steve Starzer, second lieutenant, United States Air Force, and pastor of Fairfield Presbyterian Church in Mechanicsville, will be the keynote speaker. American Legion Post 175 and VFW Post 9808 will lead the laying of the Memorial Wreath. Veterans of the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office will perform the Rifle Salute. Hanover Wayside Park is located at 8225 Hanover Wayside Rd. in Hanover, off of U.S. 301, about a mile north of Hanover High School. For more information
Military service is in their genes Brooks brothers prove that service to their country really is a family affair By Melody Kinser Managing Editor
Jim Ridolphi 2017 file photo
Hanover Veterans Memorial Committee member Al Salazar stands guard over a memorial wreath that was placed at the foot of the Hanover Veterans Memorial.
regarding this ceremony or the Hanover Veterans Memorial, contact Hanover County Parks and Recreation at 804-365-7150 or parksandrec@hanovercounty.gov. Information submitted by Marcy G. Durrer, recreation program director, Hanover County Parks and Recreation.
MECHANICSVILLE – Their ancestors were slaves. They have experienced the hatred of racism. But the Brooks brothers have proven their strength – and patriotic spirit -- time and again as veterans of the United States military. First and foremost, however, is their devotion to serving God. Despite the trials and tribulations they have encountered along l i f e’s journey, their faith is steadfast. L a st week, five of ERIC BROOKS the six brothers – Frazier, Leon, Gary, Gerald
Melody Kinser/The Local
The Brooks brothers of Pine Hill in Mechanicsville prepare to observe Veterans Day with all having served their country in the military. It’s a family tradition, going back to their great-greatgrandfather. Shown are, from left, front, Leon and Gary, and, back, Avus, Gerald and Frazier.
and Avus – shared their story as we prepare to observe Veterans Day. The sixth, and youngest, Eric, was contacted by phone to add his perspective. Military service seems to be in the genes as these brothers have followed in the footsteps of their great-great-grandfather, great-grandfather, grandfather and father. Their great-greatgrandfather, Charles Lewis Brooks, served in World War II. William Oscar Brooks, their father, was in World War II. The Brooks brothers are the sons of the late Oscar and Irene Brooks of Mechanicsville. All graduated from John M. Gandy High School with the exception of Eric who graduated from Lee-Davis High School. They lived on property called Pine Hill, which has been in their family since the mid-1800s. The Brooks family has been there since at least 1814 when Andrew Brooks was enslaved and lived on the see BROOKS, pg. 1
Joel Klein for The Ashland-Hanover Local
Ashland takes to the rails with Train Day
In the photo at left, future Amtrak employee Cullen Fritch, 5, of Toano enjoyed Ashland Train Day, which was held Saturday. The international railroad media, at right, descended upon the Town of Ashland for Train Day as a CSX locomotive and cars passed. Members of the media waved as the train made its way through the town. Train Day was successful -- and the weather cooperated. More photos on page 14.