COUNTY LIFE
Delayed military rites bring happiness to sailor’s family
By BARBARA GREEN
Navy Seaman Leslie L. Wood went into the service in 1944 at the tender age of 17 after getting approval from his parents.
Two years into World War II, like many young men this small-town boy wanted to be part of the war. His older brother, Ausey Pruitt Wood Jr. was serving in the U.S. Army in the European theater as a combat infantryman who would be part of the Battle of the Bulge.
Wood returned home from his military service to graduate college, becoming a teacher and later an attorney. He died at the age of 68 and was buried in Montague Cemetery, within view of his childhood home.
On June 6, 1996 a full military funeral rite was planned for the U.S. Navy veteran, but had to be cancelled due to bad weather when the team was unable to travel to the rural cemetery.
As the 20th anniversary of his father’s death drew near one of his sons, Allen Wood, began talking with local American Legion posts in his area about getting an honor guard to recreate the scene that would have taken place 20 years earlier. Local veterans said yes and helped their father’s final rest be recognized with the military honors.
Read the full feature in the mid-week Bowie News.
Top Picture: Members of the Nocona VFW Post unfurl the American flag during ceremonies for Leslie Wood at Montague Cemetery. (Photo by Barbara Green)
Inside today find a special section Remembering 9/11 on the 25th anniversary of this pivotal day in America’s history.
This section provides an hour by hour account of that day to inform those who may not familiar with the details. We pay tribute to all those who faced the attacks and helped save those in danger from all walks of life. May this tribute remind you of all America lost that day and how the country moved forward.
Area young people from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to take part in the Art of the Song Young Visual and Performing Arts Exhibition on Oct. 10 during the annual music festival in Nocona.
Entry is free and artists may enter up to three pieces of artwork. One entry must be music-related, while the other two can be any art medium or genre. Drop-off artwork from noon to 6 p.m. on Oct. 7 at 103 Clay Street.
Art will be displayed starting at 10 a.m. on Oct. 10. Those with questions may call R. Marie Molsbee, 940-887-0165 or horse.power.ranch.nocona@gmail.com.
The performing arts portion will be at Bitters & Sweets, 206 Clay Street. If you have a child who loves to sing, dance or play an instrument or perform? Let them share their talents in a performance at the Art of the Song.
Those interested in the performing arts program may contact Carla at 940-765-5619 or carlad@bittersandsweetsbar.com.
The staff, board of directors and volunteers of Tales ‘N’ Trails Museum are making plans for the group’s major fundraiser, “Shebang” on Sept. 26.
This year Shebang will join in all the celebrations for America’s 250th birthday.
Mark your calendar when the doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and $350 for a table of eight. Shebang takes place in the H.J. Justin Building at 100 Clay Street.
The evening will feature a dinner prepared by local chefs, fun games where you could win a prize, live and silent auctions, plus the popular bucket auction where you never know who will win. A new menu is being served that will feature prime rib, roasted sweet potatoes, hominy casserole, broccoli salad and strawberry shortcake.
Reservations are being taken now, just call the museum at 825-5330. Proceeds from the Shebang help pay for annual operating costs of the museum. Call 825-5330 to purchase tickets, also visit the website at talesntrails.org to see auction items and learn more about the museum.
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