A special service at Buffalo’s VA Hospital

by Paul Cozad
Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, June 7, 2007
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, June 9, 2007

I had received a call from Evangeline Conley, public affairs officer at the Veterans Administration Western New York Healthcare System, to inform me of the Memorial Day service to be held at the Buffalo VA Hospital on Wednesday, May 30.

I had previously attended our local Memorial Day service in Wheatfield on Monday when most other services were held, so I welcomed this opportunity to attend another. I shall forever be grateful to Evangeline for inviting me to what was a most special service. I wish every American could have been there.

As I went up to the third floor meeting room, I could see all the special guests which were seated throughout the room. They indeed were special guests, very special, some still in their hospital gowns, some wearing their caps from the American Legion or other veterans organizations, and a few wearing red colored Prisoner of War caps. Others wore caps which proudly announced what war they had been in … World War II, Vietnam, Korea … plus a number of capless young faces which I later found out were from the recent Middle East wars.

I slowly realized I was in a gathering of America’s finest, young and old, all belonging to that unique group of those who had, are still are, serving. They all belonged to each other, and had come to honor and remember those fallen heroes whose spirits now walked among us. We could almost feel them as this service was held in their honor. Each of us had special memories, and all could picture those we served with, once more giving them life with our words of grateful thanks for their unselfish acts of bravery … offering their lives for their country … and us. They truly are the foundation of America, because it is only the brave, which keeps America free. Remember that.

The ceremony started as the Rev. Dr. Robert Chambers gave the invocation. This was followed by the singing of our national anthem, and the posting of colors in the military tradition by the Western New York Chapter 77 of the Vietnam Veterans of America Inc. Suzanne Klinker, the VA associate medical director, then gave a welcome to all. This was followed by “I Love America,” a song fervently sung by all after which a poem, “The Marine,” was read with reflective reverence by Helen Markham. Psalm 61, which appropriately relates long life for the king and vows of duty, was also read.

The keynote speaker was 2nd Lt. Arthur D. Lawson, who was wounded in the Middle East in 2004, an injury which would change his entire life. In an eloquent manner, with words and meaning that could have only come from someone of his background and service, Lt. Lawson emphasized the call to duty and love of country, our true purpose for serving. He talked about the American dream, that dream which he, and all there, fought for, and how this dream also requires responsibility, commitment, personal courage, and sacrifice to achieve. When he mentioned sacrifice, we all thought about that ultimate sacrifice of those we honored this day. One could often see the heads of veterans move as they nodded in approval and understanding.

Lt. Lawson also talked about the loathing he felt for those who would diminish and criticize the actions of those who served, and especially those who use the names of our honored dead for their own selfish political philosophy. He loathed those who would have done this to him if he had met his end in 2004.

Lawson’s speech was far different than the usual politically patriotic speech given by officials. This one was real, and we felt it, as it came with sobering comments from the heart and soul by one who had “been there” and came back.

After Lt. Lawson’s contemplative talk, all sang “God Bless America” which was followed by the benediction. The ceremony was then concluded by the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 77, who retired the colors. We all just sat there in silence for a very few moments before walking over to each other and exchanging comments ad stories only “vets” could or would, share with one another. Sometimes names of those we lost came up in conversation, and so I mentioned Ski, Floyd, and Harry – buddies who will remain forever young. I swear I felt a swift kick in the butt by one of them – probably Ski. Their spirits were surely with us this special day, they surely were.

I did not want to leave.

A sign in front of the Buffalo VA states, “Freedom is not free,” – the prime reason for Memorial Day.

Paul Cozad lives in Wheatfield and is a World War II veteran. His current interest articles appear in local media.