BERRYVILLE — Serving in the military requires sacrifice, for those serving as well as their spouses.
“As we honor those who served our country, let us not forget those who stood by their side and offered up encouragement and prayer,” Retired Army Maj. Gen. Jerry Curry told a crowd gathered on Sunday for the Clarke County Memorial Day Service at Rose Hill Park in Berryville. Memorial Day services also were held locally at Winchester National Cemetery and Shenandoah Memorial Park.
Curry started out as an arc welder in Pittsburgh, but then enlisted in the Army. He served a 34-year military career, working his way through the ranks before retiring as a major general.
He met his wife, Charlene, when he was 13 years old and she was 10. Their parents became friends and spent time on his family’s farm.
“[My parent’s friends] brought with them their red-haired, freckle-faced daughter named Charlene,” Curry said.
The two married when she was 17 and he was 20. After Charlene turned 19, she went with Curry to Germany around the end of World War II.
“During that period we learned how to get along with each other, the Germans and with social requirements,” he said.
The couple shared the ups and downs of military life, as well as health challenges. In the same year, they were both diagnosed with cancer.
“I survived, but she did not survive,” Curry said.
After a two-year battle, Charlene died in 2010. The couple was married for 57 years.
“It’s a joy to remember my wife and all of the spouses on this Memorial Day,” Curry said. “It’s also a privilege to remember those who have passed on and sacrificed their lives so we can sit out here on this wonderful afternoon and enjoy this ceremony.”
Along with serving overseas, Curry was the military deputy assistant secretary of defense under President Jimmy Carter and was acting press secretary to the secretary of defense for President Ronald Reagan. He was administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration under President George Bush for three years.
Curry also has published several books about his time in the military.
The theme for Sunday’s service was “Diversity in Sacrifice, Unity in Remembrance.”
Bob Ferrebee, commander of American Legion Post 41 in Berryville, said diversity in the military is shown through race, age, economic status and religious beliefs.
“Our diversity surpasses any other in our great nation,” Ferrebee said.
Rep. Barbara Comstock, R-10th, attended Sunday’s service.
“I haven’t been to this [service in Berryville] in a little while,” she said. “I’m honored to be here and a part of it.”
She said her father served in the Army.
“We all have friends or family who have served,” she said. “It’s a privilege to honor them.”
The Clarke County High School band and the Clarke County High School choir performed several times during the event. The colors were presented by the local Sons of the American Revolution.
— Contact Jackie Puglisi at jpuglisi@winchesterstar.com
