The flag is a symbol of everything American’s hold dear and no one knows that more than Amy Vazquez.
"Never have I been more proud or loved my country more since my son laid his life down," Vazquez said.
Vazquez son, Marine Corporal Josh Watkins, was killed in Iraq in 2006. A 1999 Nease High School graduate, Watkins was posthumously honored earlier this week when Nease dedicated the Navy Junior ROTC flagpole in his honor.
Vasquez spoke at the dedication ceremony, which was attended by Nease students, School Board Member Bill Mignon, and Nease Principal Linda Thomson.
"Dedicating his life was the ultimate sacrifice," said Capt. Robert Young, Nease’s senior ROTC instructor. "All our freedoms are secured by service men and women. They took an oath to serve a cause greater than themselves. We owe the veterans our liberty."
Watkins was on patrol in Iraq when he was shot in the stomach. He died nine days before he was scheduled to return to the United States.
In their last conversation, Watkins told his mother,"I don’t know what you see on TV, but we Marines would rather do our job than ever see American soil again."
The plaque at the base of flagpole is simple. It reads, "In honor of Marine Corporal Joshua Watkins 1999 Nease Graduate 4/8/81 - 10/21/06."
"When you see a veteran, shake their hand," Vazquez said. "Thank them for their service."
