Editor’s Note: This was written by Hugh Finklea, when he was a junior at Latta High School. He entered it into a literary contest in Columbia. He won first place for sketch in the statewide competition. Lavalle was a First Lieutenent in the 62nd Armored Field Artillery during World War II. He was killed in action in the Netherlands on September 15, 1944. He was 30 years old.
By Hugh Finklea
circa 1949
Last Friday was a beautiful day. Latta Memorial Park was bathed in sunshine; the grass lay like the green sea, setting off the geometric patterns of the ballpark; the reflectors on the towering poles caught the sun and added to the brilliance of the scene.
But something was different today. The flag hung listless and wistful at half-mast. Even though the wind sent faint rustlings through the distant pines, the flag hung spiritless and languid, as if apathetic to the otherwise cheerful scene.
In the routine of the day, some stopped to remember, some paused for a moment in silent tribute, some wondered what it was all about. The answer was out on the field.
The lanyard was tied securely to the pole, its loose end coiled neatly at the foot of the marble marker. On that marker is imprinted a story–a true, human story carrying comedy and tragedy; a story of a bunch of swell fellows-one forgetting his speech in Sunday school, of another having a flat tire on his first date-and then went away, never to return.
Friday, the flag flew at half-mast. Why? Friday, Lavalle Parham came home. He’s gone now: the sharp crack of rifle fire has died on the horizon. Lt. Parham is now a memory.
Lavalle was the sort of fellow who would have liked to have seen a good ball game. Friday night, under the towering lights, the fans raised their voices in the first strain of the symphony that embodies all American ideals, “Play Ball.”
On this same spot, Lavalle and his teammates once played ball; on a far distant field they fought for their right to do it.
Yes, Friday the flag flew at half-mast. Had Lavalle and his teammates failed, it wouldn’t have flown at all. On this field will be developed the teams of tomorrow. Can there be a more fitting memorial to Lavalle and his teammates?
