JROTC honors Franklin Sousley’s memory

Sunshine highlighted the stillness of the Elizaville Cemetery May 4 as community members and the Marine Corps Junior ROTC cadets of Ripley-Union-Lewis High School (Ohio) gathered to dedicate new flagpoles at the site of Marine PFC. Franklin Sousley’s grave.

For Fleming Countians, Sousley is a native son, a young man who grew up near Hilltop, attended Elizaville School and Fleming County High School, and entered the Marine Corps as many other young men did to serve his country during World War II. His tour of duty led him and five others to the top of Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima to raise the American flag. Sousley was killed several weeks later.

Mike Wright, the president of the RULH Semper Fidelis Society, had attended last year’s ceremony commemorating the 70th anniversary of Sousley’s death.

“He (Wright) noticed that the flagpoles were old and rusty,” said Col. James Clark, an instructor for the JROTC unit.

Replacement of those poles seemed to be a good project for the JROTC cadets, and the cemetery board accepted the replacement offer. The booster program for the Semper Fi organization utilized donations and fundraising to purchase the poles and have them placed at the grave site.

“This was important to the Marine Corps,” said Clark. “It was important for our kids to know and embrace. It shows them that a kid from eastern Kentucky made an impact.”

Fifty-one cadets arrived at the Elizaville Cemetery prior to the 10 a.m. ceremony. They gathered by the chapel to review their “mission” for the day and to perfect some last minute instructions.

With a cadet honor guard in their dress blues preceding them, the cadets marched up the rise to Sousley’s memorial. Clark welcomed visitors, explained the purpose of the day’s activity and introduced the winner of the unit’s essay contest to tell of Sousley’s impact on history.

Gunnery Sgt. Justin Tenhundfeld read his composition and ended with, “History and Sousley’s background show that his efforts were not in vain.”

The solemn sounds of “Taps” echoed across the cemetery, bugler Will Fisher bringing the program to an end. As the cadets marched back to the chapel and their bus, Clark shared his thoughts on being part of the JROTC program.

“This was a good way to stay in touch with the military. I enjoy seeing the students succeed, become good citizens,” Clark said.

Two cadets added their views on JROTC.

“I think it makes me a better person. I’ve learned how to carry myself,” said junior Dustin Earls.

Senior Joey Vaughn echoed Earls’ words and added, “I’ve gained leadership skills. It has give me confidence, definitely helped me believe in myself.”

Cadets were treated to lunch hosted by the Franklin Sousley post of the VFW in Flemingsburg before heading back to Ripley.