Gloomy weather and rain did not stop a large crowd from gathering at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7288 in Calabash to remember the veterans on this important holiday. Members of the VFW Calabash Post 7288 and Auxiliary commemorated Veterans Day with a ceremony at the post featuring several speakers and a special remembrance of POW/MIAs.
Commander Michael Dichiara stepped to the podium at exactly 11 o’clock the traditional hour reserved for Veterans Day commemorations, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
Originally known as Armistice Day this day and time were chosen to commemorate the end of World War I. It wasn’t until 1954 that the name was formally changed to Veterans Day to honor veterans of all wars.
After an opening prayer and the pledge of allegiance, Dichiara welcomed members and guests delivering a few words to commemorate the day. Speaking as a veteran, to the gathered veterans, he reminded them that they didn’t serve for personal gratification, but to secure the cause of freedom for America.
"It's up to each of us to keep the legacy of our nation's veterans alive, to make sure the same spirit and faith in democracy carries through so that future generations will also celebrate the unity, courage, valor and singleness of purpose that is the strength of a free nation.” Dichiara said
"Today's world is often hyper-focused on division, and Veterans Day provides us an opportunity to remember that despite different beliefs and lifestyles, our desire for a better life has always united us. Every veteran that has proudly worn the uniform of our nation has served alongside countless individuals from differing backgrounds who may even have had opposing viewpoints or opinions and yet, all veterans put aside those differences to focus on the intrinsic values of freedom and liberty that bring us together.” Dichiara concluded.
He introduced the guest speaker, Major General, Wayne Griggs, US Army retired. Griggs served in the United States Army for over 35 years. Commissioned in 1984 as a 2nd Lieutenant of Infantry he served all levels of Command from Platoon Leader to Division Commander for the First Infantry Division, serving in combat operations 8 times over 5 years within his career. He retired from the US Army in August 2017.
General Griggs recounted a short history of Veterans Day before reflecting on its importance to the veterans of today.
He reminded us to take time on this day to remember the sacrifices of the men and women currently serving our military, often many miles away from their homes, families and friends as they continue to preserve our freedom.
"One of the hardest things for me to work through upon my retirement was the lack of a mission to focus on. The 35 years I spent in the Army, I always had a mission to focus my efforts and resources.”
Pondering what the ongoing mission for retired Veterans should be, he offered several ideas beginning with the need for them to continue to serve their country and lead our example. Other action include volunteering within their community, connecting and welcoming new Veterans to their community, ensuring all veterans get the physical, mental and spiritual care that they need to continue to be outstanding members of the community and sharing their own stories and experiences with the community to keep awareness of veterans alive throughout the year.
"Most importantly” Griggs said "We should be the biggest cheerleader and supporter to those currently on active duty. " reminding us that the younger Veterans are the blood and treasure of our Country as American Soldiers and Veterans.
He quoted President Ronald Reagan who said "Some People live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world. A Veteran Does not have that problem".
He reminded us of another appropriate Reagan quote "Freedom is never more than one Generation away from extinction.” That is the mission of the veterans, to preserve freedom while serving, to pass down that legacy when retired.
VFW Calabash Post 7288 Auxiliary President Wayne Wezska spoke about some startling statistics published by The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) in Washington, D. C.
More than 81,000 Americans are still missing from World War II, (72,515) the Korean War (6,741), the Cold War (126), the Vietnam War (1,626) and Iraq/Afghanistan (6).
The DPMO states about 75% of those missing are somewhere in the Asian-Pacific; more than 41,000 of these personnel are presumed lost at sea. The Accounting Agency estimates that only 38,000 of the missing are potentially recoverable.
This office's responsibility is to methodically and painstakingly recover the remains of the fallen and bring them back to their families. Each case represents years of effort and meticulous work piecing together evidence and clues from across many continents.
Members of the Post and Auxiliary joined together is a Solemn ceremony remembering the solitude of POWS and the Missing who may never return. VFW Auxiliary Senior Vice President, Cathy Milstead read a program that explains the symbolism of the POW/MIA "Empty Chair” . If you have ever visited a VFW hall or military base you’ve probably seen one table, immaculately set up, with a white table cloth, a single red rose, shining silverware and a gleaming plate, with a solitary empty chair. a remembrance of fallen and missing comrades in arms.
The days program concluded with a closing prayer by auxiliary Chaplain Julia Larsen who led the group in a rousing sing along of God Bless America.
The gloomy weather, perhaps appropriate for such a solemn ceremony, had turned into a bright, cheery, sunny day, almost as if the fallen veterans looked down on us with a warm smile to thank us for remembering them.
