Barbara and Danny Adams place soil from Vietnam at the base of a sappling planted by veterans who visited Marked Tree last fall. (Tribune photo / Samantha Martin)

The couple worked diligently last September to bring the moving Vietnam "Wall that Heals" to Marked Tree. The site was not only a great opportunity for local residents but also a place of healing and reunion for members of the Charlie and Echo Company, which consists of Vietnam veterans from the BN 5th Cav, 1st Calvary Division.

Last fall over 250 veterans from across the country visited the wall along the banks of the St. Francis River. They took part in a special candlelight vigil and laid a wreath featuring their symbol at the wall. In a touching measure, they planted a tree to leave a lasting mark. Dirt from the Republic of Vietnam was mixed in with the tree as it was planted.

"This dirt came from a place that binds us all together," said visiting veteran Richard Bratton as he planted the tree. "It was a place that made us all brothers. It's a strong bond, and hopefully this dirt will bake the tree grow big and strong."

Fellow veterans also placed their personal packets of dirt in the hole.

Danny and Barbara Adams still had one remaining packet of Vietnam soil which they placed on the base of the now thriving sapling.

"It survived the winter and is growing strong," said Danny Adams. "I read that trees like this can grow to be 10 feet around and over 100 feet tall. It's going to be a big tree."

The tree is planted near the veteran memorial on Frisco Street. Adams said they plan to send photos of the tree to their friends in the Charlie and Echo Company.

2008-09 Indian sports honorees

The Marked Tree athletic banquet and awards program was held May 12 at the Marked Tree Elementary cafeteria. Jessee Baker (top) won the annual Teddy Talley award given in honor of the Marked Tree athlete and casualty of the Vietnam War. Baker is shown with, from left, Dennis and Danny Adams, administrators of the award. Michael Gray (middle) won the football MVP as well male athlete of the year. He is shown with head football coach Tim Branum. Shelby Beck (bottom) is shown receiving a special tennis award from coach Glenda Drace. (Photos provided)

Subject: Homer Garrison's Death
Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2008 11:00:08 -0500
From: Bill Lawson

I was saddened today to read this obit on Homer Garrison.
Homer was one of a kind. He was one of the most energetic men I've ever known. He was a huge supporter of Marked Tree football and I doubt he ever missed a game when he was able to go.
Homer carried his emotions on his sleeve but you always knew where you stood with him.  He was a Korean War veteran and a very involved member of veteran's groups.
listI was surprised to see his older brother listed as still alive. Most of you remember him as the flashlight carrying huge man who worked at the New Theatre in Marked Tree and would often shine his light on us kids when we were acting out.
Homer was a Marked Tree character but in a much different sort of way. He was always supportive of the young people and there to back us in what ever we did. He taught Sunday School at Neiswander back in the 1960s and was very caring of the young people he taught.
Homer was just one of the many men who helped make our life growing up in Marked Tree the wonderful experience it was.
Homer will be missed but never forgotten.



Charles Homer Garrison

MARKED TREE — Charles Homer Garrison Sr., 77, of Marked Tree died Monday, Dec. 22, 2008, at VA Medical Hospital in Memphis.

He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church and a member of Lepanto American Legion. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Maggie Garrison.

He is survived by his wife, Charlsie Garrison of the home; son, Charles Garrison Jr. of Brookland; daughter, Vivian Tacker of Black Oak; brothers, Tommy Garrison of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Junior Garrison of Marked Tree; and grandchildren, Tabitha Garrison, Albert Randy Garrison, Rickey Humphries Jr., Candice Wolfe and Amy Tacker.

Visitation is tonight at 5 at Trinity Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the church with Rick Kimery officiating. Burial will follow in Marked Tree Cemetery under the direction of Murphy Funeral Home.