The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command’s Chief of Staff joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars John S. Murphy Post 7130 in celebrating Memorial Day at a luncheon in Delta, Pa., May 30, to honor servicemembers who have sacrificed for the safety and security of our nation’s freedoms.
“Memorial Day is not to be a day of solemn mourning, but a day of reverent celebration and recognition,” said Col. William “Bill” Montgomery, CECOM chief of staff, during his keynote address at the event.
Montgomery applauded and thanked the Post and Ladies Auxiliary members for their investment in the hearts and minds of Soldiers and their Families. Montgomery reminded members of the significance of their volunteer service and leadership.
It’s through America’s leadership and service that freedom blossoms in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, among many places around the world, Montgomery said. He credited the members of the Post for their service. “Individuals like you have changed and transformed the hearts and minds of thousands. They have made an impact on the lives of others by giving of themselves.”
The Ladies Auxiliary Post 7130 led the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action re-dedication ceremony, to remember, in a special way, the Americans missing and unaccounted for from America’s past wars and conflicts.
“We call them comrades,” said Lori Sipes, Ladies Auxiliary Post 7130 president, during her tribute. “The table is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner, alone against his or her suppressors. The tablecloth is white, symbolic of the purity of their [POW/MIA] intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms,” she said. “A red rose was placed in a case to remind people of the families and loved ones who are awaiting their Soldier’s return.
The red ribbon on the vase represents all those who demand a proper accounting for our missing. The table was set with a piece of lemon on the bread plate to remind hose of their bitter fate, and salt for the tears of their family members as they wait. The glass is inverted, as they cannot toast with us tonight and their chair is empty because they are no here,” said Sipes.
Montgomery encouraged the local VFW to continue the legacy of service the post has established over the years in honor of John S. Murphy, and others like him. Bill Langston, Veterans of Foreign Wars John S. Murphy Post 7130 commander, voiced the importance of what the VFW means to the community as he summarized some of the community service activities the post participated in together.
“It takes a village,” said Langston. “That’s why volunteerism and unity is so important to our Post’s legacy; we are comrades…family. If we all pitch in a little and do our part, think of the great things we can accomplish together for our communities. We can carry on, together, the legacy of service to the community, as a community.”
Service is not a new concept to this VFW post. This year, the post took part in the Sgt. Michael Heade Jr. Memorial 5K Cross Country Run this past May. Proceeds from the walk benefited the injured Marine Semper Fi Fund., a non-profit organization providing financial assistance and quality of life solutions for Marines and other servicemembers who served in support of Marine forces in post 9/11 conflicts, according to Langston.
“We can all make a difference with our individual acts, and it is important that we act,” said Langston. “It is important that those of us who understand the importance of our history, who understand the importance of our Military, who understand the importance of the values of our Military - that we act to help re-connect the American people to the members of the Armed Forces of the United States of America.”
Montgomery echoed Langston’s sentiment, stating the appreciation, importance and necessity of their continued volunteer contributions.
“The VFW is a family and the family is the strength of this nation,” said Montgomery. “Let this Memorial Day be a beginning, a rebirth, a commitment to live and to serve with passion, pride and patriotism. Let us start the summer with a celebration of live, life and leadership. We need you still.”
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