VFW Calabash Post #7288
joined hundreds of students, veterans, active duty members and others
who came to the West Brunswick High School Veterans Day Remembrance
Ceremony presented by the Cadet Corps Command and Staff members. Each
year, observers say that it cannot be improved upon but each year it
gets better. The gymnasium was packed to the rafters to see
performances by the school band, chorus, soloist, the school Female
Drill Team, the dance team, special readings, a keynote speech by
Retired Lieutenant General Joe Kinzer, and dueling Taps. There was even
a contingent of the 82nd Airborne Division Chorus, which kept the large
audience entertained with its disciplined drill display that gave way
to such tunes as "My Girl," "Carolina on My Mind" and others. Standing
ovations were frequent, not the least of which was offered for Grace
Helms for her stirring rendition of "God Bless America." Once again,
the prediction is that this year cannot be improved upon but don't be so
sure of that.
That's how the veterans Day Weekend started. It was far from over...
VFW Calabash Post #7288 joined with veterans' posts across the country and around the world November 11th
to celebrate Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, which
honored the end of World War One when it was begun in 1918. Initially
designated to honor World War One veterans, the observance was later set
for November 11th 1954
and would honor veterans of World War Two and the Korean War. Now it
honors the veterans of all wars in which America was involved on the
11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour.
At
VFW Calabash Post #7288 the day was marked by a humble ceremony that
included a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, Veterans Day tributes by
the Post Auxiliary and the Men's Auxiliary and remarks by Post Commander
Rick Arvonio. Arvonio's extended family members on his mother’s and
father’s side have maintained a proud history of service in the U.S.
Military Services dating back to the Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry in
the Union Army during the Civil War, to World War I, World War II,
Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Then there was retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Joe Williams, fitting well in his uniform..
Among
the large crowd attending the ceremony were veterans from World War Two
and our country's military engagements since, who shared a social hour
after the formal ceremony.
Then came the poppies...
Such a little flower symbol, so
meaningful to veterans. The distribution of the Buddy Poppy is a
familiar sight during the Veterans Day and Memorial Day holidays each
year and VFW Calabash Post #7288 continues the 94-year-old tradition to
this day. On Saturday, November 12th,
volunteers from VFW Calabash Post #7288 and its auxiliaries were
stationed at the Food Lion Stores in Sunset Beach and Calabash as well
as the Ace Hardware Store in Calabash, distributing the little red
Poppies which are assembled by disabled veterans. Donations received
are earmarked for the VFW National Home for Children, widows of our
nation's veterans and rehabilitation programs for our nation's veterans.
Those who donate during the Buddy Poppy Drive are rewarded twice--once
for the good deed that's realized by donating and once for the safety of
our country they enjoy thanks to the sacrifice of the veterans as well
as today's active duty troops.
Youth. The future of the United States of America...and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
