Blog

Having retired from the Navy, a man named Leonard Farrington felt such a strong call to action after the terrorist attacks of 9-11-2001, that he marched right back in to a recruitment office and tried to re-enlist. This time in the Marines.

The only problem? Well, this WWII veteran was now 78 years old at the time. You just have to admire that level of patriotism and boldness.

So instead, Mr. Farrington went home, grabbed the American flag off his front porch, drove over to the Sutton Road overpass in York County and started waiving that flag to thousands of motorists driving along I-77. He did this year after year on the anniversary of 9-11 until his passing in 2012. To this day, patriots from the Rolling Thunder have kept his tradition alive.

This overpass has since been renamed in honor of Mr. Farrington. And it was an honor to spend some time on his bridge yesterday morning waiving the American flag for the 20th anniversary of 9-11.

Yesterday was also spent honoring some of our military’s best. At McEntire Joint National Guard Base, Cpt. Natalie Byrom relinquished command of the 1-151st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion’s Alpha Company, following more than two years of remarkable leadership. Alpha Company is now in the capable hands of Cpt. Reed Wakefield.

Also, a big congratulations and job well done to South Carolina Air National Guard Command Chief Kevin Thomas, who is retiring after 29 incredible years of service in the United States Air Force and South Carolina National Guard.

Thank you all for your service!!