50th Memorial Day celebration and rededication of Veteran
50th Memorial Day celebration and rededication of
Veteran's Circle
Saturday, June 4, 2005
[Ruth Seebeck] Good Afternoon. We'd like to thank all of you for coming today. As you probably know, we have just celebrated the completion of our 50th Memorial Day. You might relate to the magnitude of that if you consider that Memorial Day for a cemetery is like Christmas season at the mall. Frantic - everything has to be perfect - and if the weather doesn't cooperate, well .... Everything has to be perfect, anyway.
When my dad started Warren County Memorial Park, he had a dream and a grand vision of a beautiful, peaceful, comforting cemetery site that would bless every family who visited our grounds. Today is the celebration of his dream and our dedication to the concept that cemeteries should reflect the peace and beauty of God's creation, while honoring the families we serve. Pastor John [Spahr], would you please lead us in our opening prayer. .....
Would everyone please stand for the posting of the Colors ... ["I am Old Glory ..." VVNW presentation & posting of the American Flag] Please join me for The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag .... [And the National Anthem, followed by the history & posting of each branch service flag, ending with the significance of the VVNW flag.]
There are veterans buried in numerous cemeteries across our county, state, nation, and around the world. Their grave markers, in many cases, attest to the highest love possible - they laid down their own lives, their personal plans and ambitions -- for their beliefs, for their country, and for their family and friends. Whether they died on the field of battle, or completed their tours of duty and returned to civilian life, these brave men and women are the foundation and cornerstone of our liberty, and an example to the world of selfless dedication.
Those of you who are not veterans, who have not gone through boot camp or been arbitrarily stationed in places far from home, who have not learned defense skills that most citizens cannot comprehend or been required to take aim at another human being cannot begin to understand the challenges of military service. I would like to introduce Gary Seymour, an 18-month Vietnam veteran of the US Navy, who served with naval support activity in DaNang, Vietnam, a member of the John Gertsch Post 77 of VVNW, Inc., a husband, a father and a lot owner.
[GARY] Would all veterans present please stand. At this time, we want to formally rededicate Veterans Circle here at WCMPark in honor and remembrance of the valor demonstrated and sacrifices made by every one of us and by every member of our Armed Forces. Veterans' Circle was originally dedicated "to honor all veterans, both living and deceased, who have given of their lives in the name of God, country, and freedom."
We place this wreath as a symbol of our rededication to that ideal and thank each of you for your contribution to our nation's freedom and the world's peace.
GIRL SCOUT SPEAKER: It's the veteran, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion. It's the veteran, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It's the veteran, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It's the veteran, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble. It's the veteran, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial. It's the veteran, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote. Each time we remember how grateful we should be to live in a country as great as America, remember to thank God ... and, thank a Veteran.
[Ed Seebeck] At WCMPark, almost one fifth of our interments are veterans: 107 from WWI, 403 from WW2, 63 Korean Conflict veterans, 27 from Vietnam, and 24 during peacetime service. In attempting to honor all veterans today, we have chosen to honor the families of two veterans interred within our grounds. Walter C. Dale, Sr. is our only Spanish-American War veteran. Born in 1875, he returned to Youngsville after his term of service and raised a family, contributing to his community, county, and country. His grandson, Robert, and other Dale family descendants, are here this afternoon.
Sean R. Mitchell, who, coincidentally, is buried not 20 feet from Mr. Dale, died in the Persian Gulf conflict in Iraq and represents the current generation of brave soldiers, sailors, aviators and marines who continue our national tradition of liberty for all. Sean's wife and family are also present this afternoon. Would the Dale and Mitchell families please stand. We want to express our appreciation to you - and through you - to veterans everywhere. A memorial candle has been placed on each of these gravesites today in remembrance and honor of Walter and Sean's love and commitment to their country. We would also like to present each family with a bouquet of flowers to be placed on the graves after our ceremony. Thank you so very much for your presence here this afternoon.
We would be remiss at this time if we did not take another moment to recognize the families who so strongly support our veterans. Whether watching a son or daughter leave home for their tour of duty, or a spouse or child who has accepted the dictates of military life, we want you to know we realize that you have also paid the cost for our freedoms. If you have a spouse, a child, or a parent who is serving or has served in the military, would you please stand. ..... We thank each of you also for your commitment - not only to your family member, but also to our national security, defense, and liberty.
