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Veterans Day reminds us of those who serve Grand Island ceremony honors all Veterans Photos
and story
A Navy ship pitches and rolls on a moonless night as sailors stand watch for enemy submarines during World War II. On land, soldiers huddle to stay warm in a foxhole while guarding their post in Korea. Just above the jungles of Vietnam, an airman treats the wounded on a Medevac helicopter knowing that one soldier will lose a leg. Somewhere in Iraq or Afghanistan, a squad of Marines returns from patrol shocked and exhausted after an improvised explosive device alters their lives forever. And somewhere else in the world, a Coast Guardsman makes a heroic sea rescue while battling hurricane-force winds. These are just a few examples of America’s veterans. “Veterans Day reminds us of all those who served and serve today in our armed forces around the world. Whether overseas or on the home front, it makes us think about their service and sacrifice. It reminds us that freedom isn’t free,” said U.S. Air Force veteran Dave Brice at the Grand Island Veterans’ Day ceremony on Sunday. On a noticeably pleasant morning, for this time of the year, flags and spirits flew high as supporters gathered at 11 a.m. for the ceremony at the Veterans Park Memorial Wall. Traditionally, the day honors all military personnel and living veterans, yet a moment of silence was also observed for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The origin of Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, dates back to the end of World War I, when hostilities ceased at 11 a.m., Nov. 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). Highlights of the ceremony included three of Niagara University’s ROTC cadets presenting a living tribute to our POW/MIAs in a slow and dramatic marching drill. South Park High School JROTC Color Guard, under the direction of 1st Sgt. Dennis Carder, also presented the colors along with the Island’s American Legion Post 1346 and DAV Chapter 168. As town officials, veterans and other supporters gathered at the park along Bedell Road to pay honor, Cub Scout Pack 630 joined the ceremony, displaying the service flags of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. The Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 Honor Guard stood ready with their weapons. During the Presentation of the Wreath, post commanders from the American Legion, VFW and DAV assembled at the wall offering the respect and gratitude of a grateful nation. This act of honor is also conducted by the President at Arlington Cemetery. As the VFW fired off a 21-gun salute in “A Salute to the Fallen,” the crackle of gunfire echoed across the Island in remembrance. The loud bursts were silenced only by the lingering and haunting sounds of “Taps” performed by buglers from the Grand Island High School Concert Band. While most visitors brought their right hand to their heart, those in uniform snapped to with a military salute. Among the many veterans who wore patches, jackets or hats symbolizing commitment to their veteran’s organization or military service, some stood proudly wearing the military uniform they once served in. Other ceremony highlights included the Pledge to the Flag led by VFW Commander Dan McMahon. Town Supervisor Peter McMahon spoke of service to country. He also thanked Linda Tufillaro of the recreation department for helping to set up event. Additionally, VFW Chaplain Michael Rogan gave the invocation and benediction. “Almighty God, Father of us all. … We thank Thee for the privileges of life and the blessings we enjoy through Thy graciousness in our country, the land in which we are given the freedom of speech, religion and the pursuit of happiness,” said Rogan. After the ceremony, participants mustered at the VFW Post under Lefty’s Pavilion. It was named after two Grand Island residents who were POWs during WWII: Lt. Col. Torgier Fadum and the late Pfc. Walter “Lefty” Kendzierski. There, U.S. Air Force and Korean War veteran Walter Wigdorski and U.S. Army WWII paratrooper Joseph Stefaniak were awarded medals from the state of New York. They each received the New York State Conspicuous Service Medal and Conspicuous Service Star and the New York State Medal of Merit. The pinning ceremony also drew heartfelt praise from Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, Erie County Legislator Michele Iannello and Town Supervisor Peter McMahon, along with other Grand Island officials, as the VFW Commander Dan McMahon presented the medals. Retired Lt. Col. Fadum also assisted, while Stefaniak added a little humor to a serious event. Among other engagements, the former pfc. parachuted into France in 1944 as part of the largest air, land and sea operation ever undertaken -- the D-Day invasion. The decisive battle helped end Hitler’s Nazi domination and WWII the following year. Guests were then warmly greeted for a free brunch, hosted by the “dedicated and hard-working” VFW Ladies Auxiliary at the post. “It’s our pleasure to honor and serve those who serve our country,” said President Sue McMahon. She noted this year’s volunteers included Kathy Blake, treasurer; Dawn Mastrorilli; Rosemary Wojick, service president; Barb Coady; Mary Becker; and past President Sam Hill. “I would especially like to thank Sam, who organized the food the day before but couldn’t be here today,” said Sue. “Between our honor guard, the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and many other volunteers, everyone does a great job representing our post. All you hear is compliments and praise from all that attend,” said Terri Majewicz, a post bartender since 1990. U.S. Marine Corps veteran and VFW past Commander Mike Cutini echoed the high praise for the honor guard. “They do a great job, but we need new members to fill in.”
This year’s Veterans Day celebration again reminds us of the recent thousands and countless millions who gave their last full measure of devolution while serving our nation. And as America’s son and daughters serve in Iraq, Afghanistan and many peacekeeping conflicts around the world, their dedication and service must be appreciated. As many troops return home wounded or handicapped, others are committing suicide at an alarming rate, double the national average. Originally from Montana, Island resident Harold Hess, age 82, served in the U.S. Army and Air Force from WWII to Korean to Vietnam. “These thoughts and others went through my head as those bagpipes played at the ceremony. That’s the closest I’ve come to crying since my wife died in 2004,” said Hess. James and Ruth McDonald also added their feelings on the day. “Thank God for the men that had the courage to do what had to be done,” said James who fought in the battle for Pork Chop Hill during the Korea War. The couple also attended a special Korean church service in Tonawanda on Saturday. “It was a pleasure to meet these Korean people and see the expressions on their faces as they thanked visiting vets. The service gave me a greater feeling of appreciation for our freedom in America.” said Ruth. U.S Naval Reserve Captain Guy Ditursi, DDS, also spoke about appreciation for returning veterans. “The WWII veterans were treated as heroes. Yet it seems the Korean War veterans were mostly forgotten and Vietnam veterans were looked upon with sometimes shame,” said Ditursi, also a dentist at Buffalo’s VA Hospital. “This was wrong. And now we have a new group of veterans coming home to mixed public opinion from two Gulf Wars. Whether you support the war or the politics is irrelevant. The important issue is to appreciate and support the troops no matter what.” Retired Army General Frank Brusino echoed a similar sentiment about support. “War starts with politics and is unfortunately finished by soldiers” he said at Sunday’s Veterans’ Day ceremony. The Islander served with Special Forces and now supports the Community Emergency Response Team. “We must always support our troops and help out in emergencies. They’re just following orders.” Back home, the families of deployed veterans also need our support, especially during the holidays. “As the holidays approach, just imagine trying to enjoy a family dinner while you daughter or husband is in harms way. Or children opening presents not knowing if they’ll ever see their father again. The sacrifice is real and they need our support,” said Dick Kloc of the DAV Shuttle Service at the VA Hospital. Grand Island’s veterans also recently donated a van to the hospital in honor of the late Paul Kane, an island DAV commander. Some families support this nation for generations. Grand Island resident Merle Dommell, 83, is part of three recent generations serving in the military. The U.S. Army Air Corps veteran logged more than 750 flying hours during WWII. He flew 50 missions over Europe in the B-17 Flying Fortress, almost 270 hours. Then he flew almost 500 hours in a C-46 cargo plane in the Pacific Theater and around the world. “On this Veterans Day, I’m very proud of my son and grandson that are now serving their country faithfully.” His son, Lt. Col. Robert Dommell currently serves with the 107th Air Refueling Wing of the Air National Guard at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. A 32-year U.S. Air Force veteran, he initially served as an enlisted medic and the last 17 years as a commissioned nurse. His daughter, Tracie, is also a 10-year U.S. Air Force veteran. Additionally, his son Brian is currently serving a second 15-month tour in Iraq. Part of the U.S. Army Infantry, he has 16 years of active duty. “We are all very proud of the military service this family has given to our country. Especially my father’s valiant service in B-17s during WWII. Veterans Day means a lot to all of us,” emphasized the colonel. (Read more about this family “Three generations serving the military,” in an upcoming edition of the Island Dispatch.) As we enter the holiday season, please support and pray for the safe return of our troops -- and that they will soon be home and reunited with their families. |
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