Veterans gather in Rehoboth to mark their special day

Transcription

1 Cape Gazette Veterans gather in Rehoboth to mark their special day Nov 18, Source: Submitted Veterans Day keynote speaker Capt. William H. J. Manthorpe, USN (Ret.) prepares for his speech at the Bandstand in Rehoboth. In commemoration of the 11th day of the 11th month, at the 11th hour when the Armistice was signed 97 years ago, local veterans, family members and the community gathered at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand to pay tribute to those who served, living or deceased. Prior to the start of the ceremony, small groups gathered, greeting one another as they have for many years on this special day. Members of the Cape Henlopen High School JROTC Viking Battalion distributed programs and American flags. VFW Post 7447 Auxiliary members Anna Smith and Patricia Collas distributed Buddy Poppies. The donations for these poppies, made famous by the poem "In Flanders Fields" written by John McCrae during World War I, are used to assist disabled veterans as well as support the VFW National Home for Children. Master of Ceremonies was Rehoboth VFW Post 7447 Commander Bob McGinnis. He began the ceremony with a moment of silence for members of local veterans organizations who passed this year. Lilymay Border, 11, a homeschooled seventh-grader, 1 of 8 11/23/2015 9:45 AM

2 2 of 8 11/23/2015 9:45 AM gave an awe-inspiring a cappella rendition of the national anthem. This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by McGinnis, then the invocation by Post 7447 Chaplain Greg Gause. McGinnis introduced distinguished guests including Sen. Ernesto B. Lopez, Speaker of the House Rep. Pete C. Schwartzkopf, Rehoboth Beach Mayor Sam Cooper, VFW District 4 Commander Dawn M. Drzewicki, VFW Post 7447 Auxiliary President Frances Turner, JROTC instructor 1SGT Philip Webb, American Legion Post 5 Commander Robert Pruchniewski, American Legion Unit 5 Auxiliary President Nancy Lawrence, American Legion Post 5 SAL Sgt. at Arms James Hammill, Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge 2540 Exalted Ruler James Gillin, Civil Air Patrol LTC Robert Turner, Maj. Kay Rudo, CPT David Morrow, 1LT Sean McClanahan, and, for the first time, a contingent from the Indian River Coast Guard. Also introduced were the VFW District 4 Honor Guard, led by Co-captains Charles McGuire and John Ward. Highlighting the event was keynote speaker Capt. William H. J. Manthorpe, USN (Ret). Manthorpe is a Vietnam veteran, a retired Naval Intelligence officer and author of "A Century of Service: The US Navy on Cape Henlopen, Lewes, Delaware: " Starting with the earliest battles, those in attendance were reminded that U.S. military, often at a very young age, "...went willingly, and that took courage. They persisted, and that took courage. They were given a new job, learned to do it well, and that took courage." These same military "stood by those who died...and were just as much heroes. Today we can honor all of them." Manthorpe spoke about the various ways the U.S. government tried to compensate veterans from the Civil War on but failed as a result of corruption and denied assistance. Veterans then, as today, fought and continue to fight to get what was promised and deserved. Bringing attention to the present time, Manthorpe told everyone that only 1 percent of those who are qualified to serve in the military are able or willing to serve. He reminded the audience it is up to everyone to convince today's youth to get involved. A standing ovation acknowledged Capt. Manthorpe's message was well received. Under the direction of Christopher Burkhart, the CHHS Band played a service branch military medley. As their branch of service anthem was played, those who served stood proudly. Each group received applause. Placing of the memorial wreaths followed. For VFW Post 7447, Post Commander Robert McGinnis and Auxiliary President Frances Turner; for American Legion Post 5, Post Commander Robert Pruchniewski, Unit 5 Auxiliary President Nancy Lawrence and Sons of the American Legion Sgt. at Arms James Hammill; for Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge 2540, Exalted Ruler James Gillin; for Civil Air Patrol, Public Affairs Officer LTC Robert W. Turner. Volleys were fired by VFW District 4 Honor Guard and "Taps" was played by CHHS trumpeter Evan Mallon. The assembly ended with a benediction by Gause, closing remarks by McGinnis and everyone singing "God Bless America" led by Lilymay Border. 1

3 3 of 8 11/23/2015 9:45 AM Rehoboth VFW Post 7447 President Frances Turner, (l-r) 11-year-old singer Lilymay Border, and Buttercup Baker, secretary for the Rehoboth VFW Post 7447 Auxiliary prepare for the start of the Veterans Day program. (Source: Submitted)

4 4 of 8 11/23/2015 9:45 AM Department of Delaware District 4 Commander Dawn M. Drzewicki pauses for a moment with Rehoboth VFW Post 7447 Commander Robert McGinnis prior to the start of the Veterans Day program. (Source: Submitted) Attending a Veterans Day program at the Rehoboth Bandstand for the first time are members of the Coast Guard at Indian River (l-r) Ace Hardy, Michael Logue, Jesse Peters, Shawn Smith, John Coleman, Jeremy Hattey and James Snyder. (Source: Submitted)

5 5 of 8 11/23/2015 9:45 AM All smiles distributing flags and programs at the Veterans Day event are JROTC cadets from Cape Henlopen High School (l-r) Nicole Surface, Almita Ramirez, Jeyda Vasquez and Esly Marin-Landa. (Source: Submitted)

6 6 of 8 11/23/2015 9:45 AM Despite the chill, attending the ceremony are (l-r) Betty Sharp, WW II Purple Heart Recipient Bayard Horn and Bonnie Lepson. All are members of Rehoboth VFW Post 7447 and Auxiliary. Bayard Horn finally received his Purple Heart last year at ceremonies at the Rehoboth VFW Post. (Source: Submitted) Speaker of the House Rep. Pete C. Schwartzkopf, left, discusses a recent incident with District 4 Honor Guard Co-captain and Rehoboth VFW Post 7447 Past Commander John Ward. (Source: Submitted)

7 7 of 8 11/23/2015 9:45 AM Sharing a moment prior to the start of ceremonies are Sen. Ernie B. Lopez, left, and Rehoboth VFW Post 7447 Commander Robert McGinnis. (Source: Submitted) 0 Comments Sort by Newest Comments (0) Add a comment... Facebook Comments Plugin You May Like Sponsored Links by Taboola Click Here To Find 8 Warning Signs of Kidney Cancer CancerLiving.Today New Rule in Pennsylvania Has Drivers Fuming Provide-Savings.com What the 'Perfect' Female Body Looks Like Around the World (PHOTOS)