Calabash VFW Post 7288 Remembers the Fallen on Memorial Day.

By Frederick Walton

5/30/2022 Calabash- A large Crowd gathered at the Calabash Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7288 in Calabash for a Memorial day service that started promptly at 11:00. Memorial Day is a time to remember those who gave their lives for our country, particularly in battle or from wounds they suffered in combat. Commander Jim Milstead reminded us of the sacrifices made by not only the Veterans but by their families too. For many, every day is Memorial day as they remember their loved ones who will never return home.

The West Brunswick High School JROTC Color Guard posted the national colors while those gathered rose for the pledge of allegiance.

Speaker Colonel Joseph Calisto, U. S. Army (retired) remarked how amazed he was at the vitality of this veterans organization who continues to do  so much to serve the community even though their average age is approaching 76! He reminded us that without the sacrifices of our military heroes, citizens would not be able to gather on a day like today. He recalled the words of Winston Churchill: "Never was so much owed by so many to so few”. This is especially significant today when only one percent of Americans serve in the armed forces, making their burden of protecting our freedoms especially heavy. 

Auxiliary president Wayne Weszka spoke of the Auxiliary’s mission to provide "unwavering support for uncommon heroes” and invited eligible community members to join their ranks and give back by helping to  support the Veterans of Foreign Wars, serving veterans, service members and their families. The Auxiliary Placed a wreath in remembrance of not only the fallen heroes, but their comrades who passed during the past year. Commander Jim Milstead recognized the important contributions of the Auxiliary and commented that although the two organizations are separate, they work together in a  common partnership for the good of the veterans and the community. 

The commander read the roll of those veteran members that passed during the last year while to chaplain tolled a bell in their honor.

Auxiliary Patriotic instructor Cathy Milstead led the members and guests in the singing of "America the Beautiful” 

The Ceremony ended with a closing prayer, a rifle salute and the mournful playing of Taps, reminding us that for combat soldiers "all gave some, but some gave all”